Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has unveiled plans to build a massive green hydrogen production complex in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula underpinned by roughly 14 GW of solar and wind generation.
The Danish renewable energy infrastructure fund intends to pour some AUD 30 billion (USD 20bn/EUR 18.5bn) into the huge project called Evergreen, as widely reported by local media, quoting CIP Australia’s Vice President Matthew Stuchbery.
Under the plan, 10 GW of onshore wind farms with roughly 1,600 turbines and 4 GW of solar photovoltaic parks will produce electricity to power 7 GW of electrolysers. The proposed capacity is planned to be installed within an area between the Spencer Gulf and the Great Australian Bight, and with the Gawler Ranges to the north.
The region near Whyalla city will be a focus area for the hydrogen component of the project, in which CIP will compete for space with other major players like Fortescue and TotalEnergies. The Danish firm will allegedly seek to sign off-take agreements for the hydrogen output. It expects to take a final investment decision in 2028.
The ambitious plan is part of the company’s 30-GW project development pipeline in Australia and will support the country’s strategy to be a global hydrogen leader by 2030. Earlier in May, the national government announced AUD 2 billion in funding for the creation of a new scheme that will back two to three flagship projects which could deliver up to 1 GW of green hydrogen electrolyser capacity. (May 23, 2023)
AUSTRALIA - GREENH2 - Production