A proposed green energy hub in Northam, east of Perth, has been dealt a setback as WA planning officials have rejected the project. Developers Infinite Green Energy had hailed the initiative as Australia’s first facility for commercial green hydrogen production. However, the Regional Development Assessment Panel deemed the project inconsistent with the land use definitions in the area, leading to the rejection.
The panel’s decision was based on the fact that the on-site renewable energy source of the project did not generate enough power to meet the Shire of Northam’s Local Planning Scheme’s definition of a “renewable energy facility”. The renewable energy sources on-site ranged from 14 to 46 percent, falling short of the 50 percent requirement for compliance.
This rejection means that Infinite Green Energy’s vision of powering buses, concrete mixers, rubbish trucks, and road trains with green hydrogen throughout the state will face delays. The project was expected to be completed by early next year but will now be put on hold.
The Northam venture, funded by a $5 million state government grant, was intended as a demonstration facility before the development of the larger Arrowsmith Hydrogen Plant in Dongara. The proposed plant, scheduled to be operational in 2028, aims to produce enough power to run over 700 road trains per day.
Despite this setback, numerous other significant green hydrogen projects are still in the works in Western Australia. The Oakagee hub near Geraldton is focused on hydrogen exports, while the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub near Karratha plans to produce hydrogen and ammonia.
Infinite Green Energy now has 28 days to lodge an appeal with the State Administrative Tribunal, hoping to overturn the decision and revive their plans for the green energy hub.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Proposed Green Energy Hub in Northam
Q: What is the proposed green energy hub in Northam?
A: The proposed green energy hub in Northam is a facility for commercial green hydrogen production, intended to power buses, concrete mixers, rubbish trucks, and road trains with green hydrogen throughout the state.
Q: Who are the developers of the green energy hub?
A: The developers of the green energy hub are Infinite Green Energy.
Q: Why was the project rejected?
A: The project was rejected by the Regional Development Assessment Panel because it was deemed inconsistent with the land use definitions in the area. The on-site renewable energy sources did not generate enough power to meet the Shire of Northam’s Local Planning Scheme’s definition of a “renewable energy facility”.
Q: What was the percentage of renewable energy sources on-site?
A: The renewable energy sources on-site ranged from 14 to 46 percent, falling short of the 50 percent requirement for compliance.
Q: What will happen to the project now?
A: The project will face delays as a result of the rejection. It was expected to be completed by early next year but will now be put on hold.
Q: What was the purpose of the Northam venture?
A: The Northam venture, funded by a $5 million state government grant, was intended as a demonstration facility before the development of the larger Arrowsmith Hydrogen Plant in Dongara. The proposed plant aims to produce enough power to run over 700 road trains per day.
Q: Are there other green hydrogen projects in Western Australia?
A: Yes, there are numerous other significant green hydrogen projects in Western Australia. The Oakagee hub near Geraldton is focused on hydrogen exports, while the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub near Karratha plans to produce hydrogen and ammonia.
Q: Can Infinite Green Energy appeal the decision?
A: Yes, Infinite Green Energy has 28 days to lodge an appeal with the State Administrative Tribunal in the hopes of overturning the decision and reviving their plans for the green energy hub.
Related Links:
– Infinite Green Energy
– Government of Western Australia
The source of the article is from the blog myshopsguide.com