Key Pilbara Hydrogen Hub road upgrades now under construction

Construction is has commenced to upgrade the Lumsden Point Access Road and Pinga Street intersection in Western Australia. 

This upgrade will support the development of the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub at Port Hedland on the State’s north coast. 

Upgrading the road and intersection at Lumsden Point will support the import of wind turbines and renewable energy components into the Pilbara and the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates. 

“The Pilbara is a globally recognised resources hub and demand for renewable energy will only become stronger into the future. 

“By building our hydrogen production capability, we are investing in the future of the Pilbara. 

“The work being done now will ensure that the region that powers the nation’s economy can be powered by renewable energy,” Premier Roger Cook said. 

“Projects like this are an investment in a prosperous and sustainable future for communities in the Pilbara. 

“The works will provide quality local jobs and career pathways for decades to come,” State Member for Pilbara Kevin Michel said. 

The intersection of Great Northern Highway and Pinga Street will be upgraded to a four-way interchange. The project will include: 

• Construction of a new roundabout underpass, connecting Pinga Street to the new Lumsden Point Access Road 

• Construction of two 15-metre single-span bridges over the new roundabout interchange, providing four lanes over the roundabout 

• Construction of four new access ramps on to and off of Great Northern Highway along with new turning pockets at the Lumsden Point Access Road 

The delivery of the new intersection will help improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at Lumsden Point and Pinga Street. The upgrade will also facilitate the safe movement of oversize vehicles out of Lumsden Point. 

“The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub shows what can be achieved when Commonwealth and state governments work collaboratively to deliver projects that benefit people and industry, helping establish Australia’s future as a renewable energy superpower. 

“Today’s announcement brings Western Australia and the Pilbara region closer to realising its future as a world-class producer and exporter of clean energy and products, capitalising on the huge opportunities that come from the global shift to net zero,” Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said. 

Project map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

The timely and efficient import of renewable energy components is essential to the development of the State’s renewable energy industry and achieving net zero goals. 

Lumsden Point provides an alternative import facility to Fremantle to help reduce transport emissions. Significant progress has already been made on the new Lumsden Point Port development that involves new shipping berths and a substantial lay-down area for imported equipment. 

“The WA Government continues to invest in common user infrastructure and the Pilbara Hudrogen Hub is a key example of this. 

“Lumsden Point Road will assist in reducing transport emissions along with allowing imports to occur closer to Pilbara based renewable energy projects,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

“New port facilities at Lumsden Point will provide regional import capability to support the renewable energy industry. 

“New shipping berths and laydown area will grow the capacity of the Port of Port Hedland, while this latest ground breaking in the next step for the region’s evolution,” WA Ports Minister David Michael said. 

The Australian Government has committed $565 million in grant funding to support the delivery of common user port upgrades at Port Hedland and Dampier in the Pilbara. 

Earlier this year, the Australian and Western Australian Governments finalised a $140 million agreement to build a hydrogen hub in the Pilbara. This funding will help build infrastructure to support hydrogen export and fund activities for a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute. 

“The Albanese Government is pleased to be partnering with the Cook Labor Government to fund these upgrades, which will better facilitate large imported materials being moved from Lumsden Point and improve traffic access to the area. 

“These port upgrades in the Pilbara will help unlock trade and investment opportunities and support a future made in Australia. 

“This is another example of the Australian and WA Government funding partnership which invests in good infrastructure that opens opportunities for businesses and communities,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Roads Western Australia; Big Rigs; Offshore Energy