Proposed $114m hydrogen facility in Gladstone QLD gets the green light

The Queensland Government has granted planning approval to Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) for the development of a large-scale hydrogen equipment manufacturing facility in Gladstone. 

The Global Green Energy Manufacturing Centre (GEM) is set to become the world’s largest of its kind and is going to be built within the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA). 

“FFI now has the planning approval required to progress the $114 million first stage of its Global Green Energy Manufacturing Centre (GEM) at Aldoga in the Gladstone SDA. 

“In its initial stage, this $114 million investment from Fortescue Future Industries will create more than 100 construction jobs and 50 operational jobs. 

“Jobs numbers are expected to exceed 300 over the life of the project,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said. 

The development of the electrolyser facility will enable the State to be known as a world leader in green hydrogen production. 

The GEM Centre is also set to become Australia’s first facility that has the capability to “make the multi-gigawatt-scale electrolyser used worldwide in hydrogen production”. 

“With initial capacity to manufacture up to two gigawatts (GW) of electrolysers annually, it will be the largest electrolyser factory in the world when it comes online in 2023. 

“The facility will be constructed within a four-hectare site with an electrolyser assembly building to cover approximately 12,900 square metres,” Minister Miles said. 

According to Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, the renewable energy revolution is a key component of the Queensland Government’s economic recovery plan. 

The GEM Centre is the first of several projects that will boost the transformation of regional Australia into green industry manufacturing and energy production hubs. 

“We're developing a renewable hydrogen industry that’s maintaining Queensland’s dominance as a global energy superpower. 

“FFI could have built this facility anywhere in Australia. They chose Queensland. 

“This is all about creating more jobs and creating more opportunities for traditional and emerging industries,” the Treasurer said. 

The upcoming hydrogen-equipment manufacturing facility in Gladstone is going to become a major hub in the State’s growing hydrogen industry. 

Fortescue Future Industries Chief Executive Officer Julie Shuttleworth AM said: “The project will boost the Australian economy and create local jobs for Queenslanders as we transition away from fossil fuels. Receiving planning approval from the State Government brings this project even closer to fruition, as we work towards commencing construction on the first stage in February 2022.” 

The Palaszczuk Government – owner of the Gladstone SDA – is pleased to partner with FFI in the development of the new manufacturing facility that will pave the way for the establishment of a world-leading manufacturing hub for electrolysers used in hydrogen projects. 

“This partnership to create Australia’s first large-scale advanced hydrogen manufacturing facility will create jobs for Queenslanders and is proof we are seizing the renewables opportunity to rebuild and decarbonize Queensland’s industry with all the massive potential that offers right across the state,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said. 

With Gladstone’s rapidly growing hydrogen industry, the region is projected to become a leader in renewables and help boost the local manufacturing industry. 

“Gladstone is at the forefront of growing new industries to build on our sovereign industrial capability. 

“New industries like this provide opportunities for local manufacturers to become part of the domestic supply chain and also export their products to the world,” Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Fortescue Future Industries