Australia's Largest Liquid Hydrogen Plant Operational at Fortescue's Green Energy Hub
Key Ideas
- Fabrum, a New Zealand-based company, collaborates with Fortescue on the design, build, and commissioning of the liquid hydrogen plant in Christmas Creek, Western Australia.
- The plant can produce approximately 350 kg of liquid hydrogen per day and has storage capacity for around 600 kg, aiming to power zero-emissions mining equipment prototypes and refuel company coaches.
- Fortescue's commitment to leading heavy industry in decarbonisation is demonstrated through the completion of the largest gaseous and liquid hydrogen plant on any mine site in Australia, emphasizing the role of renewable hydrogen in reducing emissions.
- Fabrum and Fortescue's partnership highlights the growing global demand for hydrogen production systems and marks Fabrum's entry into the mining and minerals industry, showcasing the versatility of the renewable hydrogen plant.
Australia's largest liquid hydrogen plant has become operational at Fortescue's Green Energy Hub located at Christmas Creek in Western Australia. The plant was developed through a collaboration between Fortescue and New Zealand-based Fabrum. It includes a hydrogen liquefaction facility, liquid hydrogen storage, and a refueling station. This plant aims to power Fortescue's zero-emissions mining equipment prototypes, such as the offboard power unit and the hydrogen-powered T 264 haul truck prototype, with a production capacity of around 350 kg of liquid hydrogen per day. Furthermore, the plant can store approximately 600 kg of liquid hydrogen. Christopher Boyle, Fabrum's Executive Chair, expressed delight in developing world-leading hydrogen technologies to help Fortescue achieve its decarbonisation goals. Fortescue's Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto, highlighted the company's commitment to decarbonisation and the versatile nature of the renewable hydrogen plant. Dr. Ojas Mahapatra, Fabrum's CEO, emphasized the promising collaboration with Fortescue and the opportunities to succeed in the hydrogen production industry. The project signifies the growing interest in renewable energy and the potential of hydrogen in reducing emissions in heavy industries like mining.