Major Project Status given to $4bn Tiwi Islands green hydrogen project

Provaris’ proposed $4.5 billion green hydrogen production and export facility in the Tiwi Islands has been granted Major Project Status by the Northern Territory Government. 

Giving the project a Major Project Status recognises its significant as well as positive and enduring impact on the Northern Territory’s economy. 

“The endorsement of the Tiwi H2 Project by the Territory with Major Project Status is another significant milestone for Provaris as we move forward with our development program. 

“We look forward to a continuation of the support provided by the Territory in delivering what can be Australia’s first export hydrogen project, delivered using our compressed hydrogen solution,” Provaris Managing Director Martin Carolan said. 

Tiwi H2 (Hydrogen) Project is expected to produce up to 100,000 tonnes per annum of compressed green hydrogen and export it into the Asia Pacific region. 

The production and export facility is going to be built on the Tiwi Islands, which is the traditional lands of the Munupi people. Tiwi H2 Project will utilise the existing plantation and industrial land, providing job opportunities and income for the Tiwi people. 

The facility intends to use solar energy in the production of green hydrogen. Provaris will also use its proprietary GH2 Carriers for shipping to the Asia-Pacific region. 

“The Territory Labor Government is driving the future to renewable energy and energy security whilst positioning the Territory as the low-cost ‘clean’ energy centre. 

“With this project being located on the Tiwi Islands, the Munupi people who are the Traditional Owners of the project location, are key to playing an exciting role in the development of renewable energy. 

“As renewable hydrogen technologies are continuously evolving, having projects like this in the Territory is further cementing the Territory as a renewables super hub, while also creating long term jobs in the process,” Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said. 

Project map (source: Provaris)

It is estimated that Tiwi H2 Project will create up to 500 jobs during its construction phase and a further 100 jobs once the facility is up and running. The production and export facility is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years. 

The Tiwi H2 Project aligns with the Northern Territory’s Renewable Hydrogen Master Plan that provides a framework for the development of a renewable hydrogen industry in the state and it focuses on allowing activities that has the potential to attract private sector investment. 

The Master Plan also highlights the Northern Territory’s competitive advantages as well as how the Territory can leverage these advantages to be “a centre of hydrogen technology research, production and use in Australia”. 

“Tiwi H2 is an exciting renewables project – it will not only further diversify our economy, but also strongly position the Northern Territory as a key location for renewable hydrogen production. 

“Establishing the Territory as a leader in the new energy economy means more opportunities for Territorians and Territory businesses – this sector will only continue to grow moving forward. 

“With one of the best solar resources in the world – and the development of projects like Tiwi H2 – the Territory will play a leading role in the emerging renewable hydrogen market,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Provaris; PV Magazine Australia; H2 View