Orica & Origin: decarbonising production at Kooragang Island
By on July 18, 2023
Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub receives federal funding
Origin Energy has been awarded AUD70 million in funding from the Australian federal government to progress the Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub. In collaboration with Orica, feasibility work was launched in March 2022, and the future electrolytic hydrogen facility will be located next door to Orica’s existing complex on Kooragang Island in Newcastle.
In the first phase, 55 MW of grid-connected electrolysers will be fed with recycled water, and the bulk of the hydrogen delivered to Orica for ammonia production. The Hunter Hub will be designed “with the potential to be scaled up to an export development in the future”. FEED work is underway, with Origin targeting hydrogen production from 2026.
Working in collaboration with Orica, we have continued to build expertise in different aspects of the hydrogen value chain needed to support successful development of the Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub. We believe hydrogen has the potential to be a new industry for Australia that could contribute to a cleaner future for manufacturing, transport, and heavy industry. There are challenges that still need to be overcome for Australia to deliver hydrogen at scale, and strong collaboration across industry, governments and communities will be a critical factor to success.
Origin CEO Frank Calabria in his organisation’s official press release, 13 July 2023
Orica also announced the full commissioning of tertiary abatement technology at its Kooragang Island manufacturing complex, substantially reducing emissions from nitric acid production. Orica, Origin and the Port of Newcastle also have an MoU to explore scale-up of electrolytic hydrogen production, increased ammonia storage and a potential new ammonia import/export terminal in the nearby Clean Energy Precinct.
We’re deeply committed to future-proofing our manufacturing, jobs and economies, maintaining supply chain sovereignty and building a solid foundation for a regional Hydrogen Hub in the Hunter Valley, while also supporting our customers to achieve their sustainability goals.
Orica Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Gandhi in his organisation’s official press release, 13 July 2023
Learn more, visit the future Hub site at our 2023 APAC conference
At this year’s APAC conference, we will actually get the chance to see Orica’s plans in action. Conference attendees can take a guided tour of the Kooragang Island site on Friday the 18th of August, with the chance to ask operational personnel all your key questions. Orica will also participate in the speaking program, and are our Welcome Reception sponsor on the first evening of the event. Learn more about the event here.