The South Australian Government has chosen ATCO Australia and BOC as preferred partners to deliver its Hydrogen Jobs Plan, which includes the world’s largest hydrogen production facility, power plant, and storage at Whyalla.
ATCO Australia and the BOC consortium have agreed to an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement with the State Government involving project design, procurement, contracting, and cost estimation.
In addition, the State Government has engaged in an ECI agreement with EPIC Energy, a South Australian energy infrastructure company, to construct an integrated pipeline and hydrogen storage solution.
The agreements were negotiated after a comprehensive six-month evaluation process of 29 proposals from various global companies.
“We have all the things the world will need to decarbonise — abundant copper and magnetite, the world’s best coincident wind and solar resources, world-leading renewable energy penetration and soon, the ability to harness this abundant clean energy in the form of hydrogen,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“We can use this clean hydrogen to firm our electricity grid, but more than that, we can use it to help reindustrialise the Upper Spencer Gulf, creating thousands of jobs in the process,” Premier Malinauskas stated.
According to the State Government, the ATCO and BOC consortium was chosen for their comprehensive solution, which included design and build experience in electrolysers, generators, on-site storage, and operational expertise.
ATCO Australia CEO and Country Chair John Ivulich commented, “ATCO is delighted to be selected as a consortium partner for the design of the world’s biggest hydrogen plant that will unlock decarbonisation opportunities and enhance prosperity for generations.”
“Solutions for the transition to a low-carbon economy are gaining momentum, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute our extensive hydrogen expertise and technology to milestone projects such as the hydrogen production facility and power plant in Whyalla,” BOC Head Theo Martin said.
The design and construction of the Hydrogen Power Plant will contain 250 megawatts of electrolysers built to Linde’s global engineering standards.
The project will include the installation of 100% hydrogen-operated fast-startup turbines.
Additionally, Epic Energy’s storage solution would serve as a dual-purpose storage and transmission network, connecting infrastructure for hydrogen production expansion and industrial offtake to support a growing industry.
“The Hydrogen Jobs Plan is a transformational opportunity set to benefit South Australians for generations,” Epic Energy Chief Executive Officer Clive D’Cruz said.
“Epic Energy brings more than 50 years of experience in supplying South Australian industry and the community with energy pipeline and storage solutions, and we’re looking forward to playing a role in bringing to life this world-leading decarbonisation opportunity,” D’Cruz added.
The Hydrogen Jobs Plan, supported by a $593 million State Government investment, aims to re-industrialise the Upper Spencer Gulf region and strengthen South Australia’s global hydrogen powerhouse status.
“The Hydrogen Power Plant in Whyalla continues this momentum, and our world leadership using hydrogen for renewable energy storage, and enabling us to ship the sun beyond our shores,” Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.
Member for Giles Eddie Hughes stated that the investment aims to transform Upper Spencer Gulf’s future and provide long-term, productive job opportunities for Whyalla and the surrounding areas.
“We have an opportunity to grow our reputation as a global renewable energy powerhouse. But more than that, we use this clean energy to produce green iron and steel, providing the world with the essential building blocks needed to decarbonise,” Hughes added.
The project is scheduled to commence operations in early 2026.
