Plans for giant green hydrogen project in WA revealed
Plans for a massive green hydrogen and ammonia production facility powered by more than 5GW of wind and solar PV generation in Western Australia have been revealed with the proponents of the estimated $10 billion project lodging an environmental assessment with the state government this week.
WA town to be powered by pumped-hydro microgrid
The town of Walpole on Western Australia’s southernmost tip will soon be powered by a pumped-hydro microgrid, a first for the state which is already renowned for its rollout of microgrids and distributed renewable solutions.
Construction begins on Lynas’ rare earths refinery in Western Australia
In the second piece of rare earths news this month, construction has begun on Lynas Rare Earths’ new processing facility in Kalgoorlie. The refined products are used in batteries and other renewable technology, with Lynas moving the processing it currently does in Malaysia onshore for the first time.
Solar greenhouse trials perform better than expected, proving commerciality company says
The results from solar glass company ClearVue’s greenhouse trials at Murdoch University have found the company’s product performed better than predicted overall, demonstrating both strong power generation and thermal value.
Globally significant vanadium mine in WA ‘bankable,’ construction slated for 2023
A major Western Australian mine targeting the global vanadium battery market was this week found to be bankable, with feasibility studies confirming the project’s “strong commercial case for development,” its owner Australian Vanadium Limited said.
Infinite Blue Energy partners with Indigenous-owned Boya Energy for WA green hydrogen project
Infinite Blue Energy has announced a partnership with Indigenous-owned Boya Energy on the green hydrogen project it has planned for the 11 MW Northam solar farm east of Perth.
Green alumina processing pilot in WA receives major backing from ARENA
Western Australia’s Pinjarra alumina refinery, run by US giant Alcoa and Alumina Ltd, has been granted $8.6 million to test electric calcination, a process which could significantly reduce refineries’ footprints. The grants awarded add up to almost half of the pilot’s costs.
Andrew Forrest buys up three cattle stations for 5GW renewable energy hub
Iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Future Industries has purchased three cattle stations in Western Australia’s northwest on which it plans to construct a renewable energy hub to both decarbonise its mining business and export green hydrogen and green ammonia.
Mineral Resources set to double Mount Marion Lithium capacity in response to ‘extraordinary lithium demand’
Mineral Resources Limited along with its joint venture partners is set to double the spodumene output of its Mount Marion Lithium mine over the course of 2022 in response to enormous lithium price due to electric vehicle demand.
Rare earth refinery to be built in WA as country vies to become serious China alternative for EV supplies
Western Australian miner Iluka Resources will build Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery to supply electric vehicle and renewable energy industries. The project has been enabled by a $1.25 billion loan from the Commonwealth government and is part of a broader push within Australia to establish ourselves as a serious alternative to China for the supply of processed critical minerals.
