Yara Clean Ammonia and the Pilbara Ports Authority have joined forces to explore the potential for ammonia bunkering in northern Australia. Together, the pair will work through the safety & operational challenges presented by ammonia maritime fuel at PPA’s existing ports network, which includes two of the world’s largest bulk export ports. Tune into the Australia conference next week for more updates from Yara, including Project YURI, future plans in the Pilbara, and how certification work will help unlock seaborne clean ammonia trade around the world.
Oceania
Fortescue, AGL to explore decarbonisation in the Hunter Valley
Australian energy giant AGL will team up with Fortescue Future Industries to explore the feasibility of industrial-scale production of renewable hydrogen & ammonia in the Hunter Valley near Newcastle, Australia. AGL’s existing Liddell power station is due to close next year and begin conversion into the Hunter Energy Hub, with grid-scale batteries, wind & solar generation, clean industry and hydrogen & ammonia production to replace the coal-fired facility. Origin Energy, Orica, Incitec Pivot Limited and Keppel Infrastructure are already exploring similar plans in the area, based on existing ammonia production plants at Kooragang Island near Newcastle.
Ammonia policy in Australia
Concrete steps are being taken on ammonia and ammonia-related policy in Australia. In late 2021, the New South Wales state government launched its Hydrogen Strategy, adding to the list of state-based strategies announced around the country. There is also a high level of industry interest within NSW to develop significant hydrogen (and ammonia) hubs, and renewable energy generation. Federally, all eyes are on the Clean Energy Regulator as they develop the Guarantee of Origin certification scheme, which is soon to begin looking at low and zero-carbon ammonia production. To explore how these policy pieces are coming together, we welcome Matt Baumgurtel (Hamilton Locke), Michael Probert (NSW OECC), Cameron Mathie (CER), Dane Halstead (FFI) and panel chair Andrea Valentini (Argus Media). We also welcome Argus Media as Ruby Sponsors of this year’s conference. Join us in-person or online at 9AM on Thursday 25 August to learn more.
Ammonia energy in the APAC region
When it comes to ammonia energy & Australia, the persistent theme for a few years now has been exports, exports, exports. But, does a domestic hydrogen & ammonia industry present the opportunity for Australia to move on from a “dig and ship mentality”? Can Australia develop an equivalent of the METS industry, providing the expertise, technology and services required to get more projects up-and-running overseas?
To explore these big questions, we welcome a terrific discussion panel: Cindy Lim (Keppel Infrastructure), Olivia Brace (Advisian), and Tim Rogers (Trafigura Group), and chair Penelope Howarth (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade). And - in the session before we launch into discussion - we will hear updates from some of our key ammonia energy allies in APAC. Shigeru Muraki (CFAA, Japan), Hyung Chul Yoon (KIER, Korea) and Kashish Shah (IEEFA, India) will dial-in virtually to present the latest from their home countries. Join us in-person or online, and purchase your tickets by this Friday 5 August to secure the extended early-bird rate.