Iron Road Ltd selected Amp Energy as the primary developer for its Cape Hardy green hydrogen project, which is expected to bring in billions of dollars in investment and create thousands of jobs.
The developer was picked after a three-month competitive offer-to-bid procedure.
“We are delighted to be working exclusively with Amp Energy for the next nine months and beyond, on a green energy production and export development opportunity of national significance,” Iron Road Ltd Chief Executive Larry Ingle said.
According to Ingle, the significant milestone confirms Cape Hardy as South Australia’s (SA) preeminent scale hydrogen export hub. He added that the competitive offer-to-bid procedure was carefully developed to screen the most capable and motivated developer interested in prioritising and advancing the project fast and wisely.
The Eyre Peninsula green industrial hub will include a 5GW scale green hydrogen production facility in an optimal strategic location to construct the multi-purpose, multi-user deep-sea port for hydrogen operations and mineral and grain exports.
Amp Energy plans to develop and deploy up to 5GW of electrolyser capacity in the port precinct over the next decade, producing more than 5 million tonnes of green ammonia annually and bolstering SA’s position as a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production.
“Amp Energy’s development of strategically located transmission-connected green hydrogen and ammonia facilities at select locations such as Cape Hardy in South Australia is critical to our continued global growth and long-term strategy,” Amp Energy Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer Paul Ezekiel said.
The projected export plant at Cape Hardy is expected to provide roughly 5000 jobs during its peak development period and more than 1000 jobs once fully operating.
“The Cape Hardy precinct speaks to our State’s hydrogen production capabilities. This project complements my Government’s commitment to hydrogen, through the Hydrogen Job Plan,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
According to the Premier, the hydrogen opportunity will be revolutionary for the State’s economy, providing energy security while also assisting the State in its decarbonisation efforts.
The SA Government has played a crucial role in advancing the Cape Hardy green hydrogen project, backed by the Australian Government‘s $25 million commitment to build the deep-sea port to assist present and future industries.
Iron Road Ltd and Amp Energy were backed by the State Government agency Invest SA at the Fuel Cell Expo in Tokyo in March, with Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion attending with local companies to highlight the State’s green credentials and hydrogen export possibilities.
“This significant investment into the State is testament to our global standing as a leader in the green energy sector, Projects like these will create thousands of jobs and benefit future generations across South Australia,” Minister Champion said.
The major industry event highlighted the considerable investment prospects available in the state, such as the Cape Hardy hydrogen hub and the State Government’s $593 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan, which are both part of a $20 billion pipeline of renewable energy projects.
“The Upper Spencer Gulf stands to play an important and strategic role in South Australia’s economic future. It’s exciting to see substantial private investment backing the region,” Minister Tom Koutsantonis commented.
