Darwin solar-power green hydrogen plant secures major project status

Developer TE H2 will push ahead with the detailed analysis and design of the Darwin H2 Hub – a new gigawatt-scale green hydrogen production facility to powered by more than 2 GW of solar generation – after the Northern Territory (NT) government formally recognised the project’s economic and environmental significance.

TE H2, a joint venture formed by French oil giant TotalEnergies after its takeover of Paris-headquartered renewables producer Total Eren, signed a memorandum of understanding with the NT government in 2022 to develop the Darwin H2 Hub.

To be built on a 4,000-hectare site within the planned Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, the facility is to include more than 2 GW of solar generation capacity providing energy for a 1 GW electrolyser capable of producing more than 80,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per annum.

TE H2 Australia Managing Director Kam Ho said the latest announcement marks a significant milestone in the project’s development.

“The proposed Darwin H2 Hub is TE H2’s cornerstone project and aims to be the Northern Territory’s first solar-powered green hydrogen production and export project, delivering sustainable and cost-competitive power for domestic use and global export,” he said, adding that the facility will “contribute to the Northern Territory government’s vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and will enable other industries to move towards decarbonisation and sustainable industry.”

Ho said the company will now progress the design of the downstream facility, transmission infrastructure and upstream generation facility, with financial close to be considered by 2027.

NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the government’s decision to award the Darwin H2 Hub major project status recognises the project’s significance to contribute to economic growth, decarbonisation of industry, employment and renewable energy supply chains in the Territory.

Lawler said the facility will generate 800 jobs during the construction phase and 175 positions once operational. It will also assist both Australian and global companies to decarbonise through the use of green hydrogen, and to facilitate industries in a net zero economy.

“The TE H2 project is an example of how this government sources new clean energy projects that will significantly contribute to the Territory’s drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

Lawler also highlighted that the production of green hydrogen, in combination with the Territory’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, is “a key opportunity for the Territory to address the growing demand for this green energy globally.”