With abundant renewable energy resources, Australia is well-positioned to become a major supplier and is expected to become one of the world’s largest net-exporters of low-emissions hydrogen, according to the International Energy Agency’s 2023 World Energy Outlook.

However, one of the biggest challenges for hydrogen that has been identified is transporting it in large quantities.

Green ammonia, produced from renewable hydrogen, is an easily transportable energy carrier that can be processed back to hydrogen for various applications.

The International Energy Agency’s 2024 Global Hydrogen Review and the 2024 Australian Hydrogen Strategy highlighted ammonia production as a way hydrogen can more specifically facilitate decarbonisation for heavy industry.

“Green ammonia will be a critical enabler to decarbonise hard-to-abate industrial processes and use as a zero-carbon fuel,” Choi said.

Ark Energy’s next major hydrogen project, the Han-Ho H2 Hub, involves an integrated renewable hydrogen and green ammonia production facility within the Abbot Point State Development Area.

The project will be supplied with renewable electricity from Ark Energy’s proposed Collinsville Green Energy Hub, which is approximately 60 km south, and will export green ammonia via the Port of Abbot Point.

Tim Davies, Senior Project Manager, Han-Ho H2 Hub, said the project is planned to be built in two stages and is an infrastructure investment for north Queensland worth around $8 billion.

Subject to approvals, the goal is to commence operations in 2030, and it will have an ultimate production capacity of about 400,000 tonnes per annum of renewable hydrogen and 2.4 million tonnes per annum of green ammonia by 2035-40.

“It will be one of the largest hydrogen and ammonia facilities with behind-the-meter renewable energy generation in Australia,” Davies said.

Abbot Point has an industrial area and existing deepwater port earmarked for further development, as well as renewable energy resources in proximity, established trade links, and a strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region.

Davies is confident this will position the Han-Ho H2 Hub to tap into a lucrative export market. A strategic, long-sighted approach to decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors and pioneering applications for renewable hydrogen requires vision, tenacity, courage, significant investment and a commitment that can span decades.

Choi said Ark Energy is determined to become a global leader in renewable hydrogen production and export.

“We are driven by a vision to be the safest and most competitive producer of renewable hydrogen, not only in Australia, but in the world, and utilise it to lead the way in decarbonisation, and carbon neutral manufacturing and business.”

Ark Energy is working with local and international stakeholders and investing heavily to develop the infrastructure for a renewable hydrogen value chain, and to produce, store, transport and export renewable hydrogen from Australia on a large scale.

With Ark Energy’s ambitious projects, the future of renewable hydrogen in Australia and its catalytic potential to establish the country as a clean energy export powerhouse is taking shape.

For more information, visit arkenergy.com.au

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