The Victorian Government has announced a feasibility study for a new renewable fuel manufacturing hub in Portland.
Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing unveiled the new study, with $500,000 invested through the State Government’s Portland Diversification Fund.
“We’re supporting the Portland community to grow its economy through projects that use its potential, prime location, natural resources, and skilled workforce,” Minister Shing said.
Portland H2, a subsidiary of HAMR Energy, will lead the feasibility study to develop a renewable fuel manufacturing hub that converts plantation forestry residue to green methanol. The preliminary engineering and planning for the facility, which would also contain a 100-megawatt electrolyser to produce renewable hydrogen from water, are included in the study.
“This announcement is another step forward for Victoria’s growing renewable hydrogen industry, which will support our renewable energy transition and assist in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, including shipping,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said.
According to the State Government, shipping accounts for over 2% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and green methanol can cut carbon intensity by 90% when compared to heavy fuel oil currently used.
HAMR Energy believes Portland, located within Australia’s largest plantation forestry production area, is ideal for a renewable methanol facility. The feasibility study will look into producing green methanol from plantation forestry residues such as harvest trimmings or damaged timber.
“HAMR Energy is excited to support the Government’s efforts to position Victoria as a leader for in renewable energy production, and support accelerate the decarbonising of the global shipping industry,” HAMR Energy Director and Company Secretary David Stribley stated.
This initiative is part of the $17.4 million Portland Economic Diversification Plan, which supports long-term economic growth in the Glenelg Shire through community-led projects and planning.
Since 2015, the Government has invested more than $41 billion in rural and regional Victoria, altering and growing local economies and supporting job growth.
“We’re making sure Portland has a strong and diverse economy and supporting projects like the Portland Renewable Fuels Project is part of our long-term plan to back the region,” Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said.
