Assessment of Western Green Energy Hub Underway
Key Ideas
- Federal Minister for Environment to assess InterContinental Energy's 70GW Western Green Energy Hub under the EPBC Act.
- Project includes wind and solar nodes with hydrogen electrolyser and data center to generate clean energy.
- Alignment with government's Future Made in Australia plan and National Hydrogen Strategy, receiving Major Project Status.
- Stage 1 Financial Investment Decision and financial close set for 2029.
The Federal Minister for Environment in Australia has agreed to assess InterContinental Energy's proposed 70GW Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) under the EPBC Act. The project, consisting of 35 wind and solar nodes with hydrogen electrolyser and data center components, aims to generate clean energy without negative environmental impacts. The assessment will be conducted through an Environmental Impact Statement in line with the Public Environmental Review level specified by the Western Australian EPA. The CEO of InterContinental Energy, Dr Ray Macdonald, expressed support for the Minister's decision and emphasized the importance of understanding and protecting species, ecosystems, and sensitive values. The WGEH project has also been granted Major Project Status by the Federal Minister for Industry and Science, aligning with the government's Future Made in Australia plan and contributing to the National Hydrogen Strategy. The Australian Government's commitment to the renewable hydrogen sector, including a renewable Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and focus on e-fuels, has further boosted the prospects of the project. The project's Stage 1 Financial Investment Decision and financial close is scheduled for 2029.