HIGHLIGHTS:

Lodgement of EPBC Referral to the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for Tiwi H2.
Tiwi H2 project comprises the proposed development of a 100,000 tpa green hydrogen production facility for export into the Asia-Pacific region.
The EPBC Referral is the second of Tiwi H2’s environmental assessment processes, with a decision on NT EPA’s assessment level expected shortly in October 2022.
Provaris advancing a partner process to seek interested groups in the areas of investment, offtake, construction and operational support to jointly develop the project.

Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX.PV1, Provaris, or the Company) is pleased to announce it has lodged its EPBC Referral with the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW ) for its proposed Tiwi H2 on the Tiwi Islands (the EPBC Referral). The EPBC Referral addressed any potential impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance, including threated flora and fauna, and migratory and marine species. Now that the EPBC Referral has been submitted, Provaris expects a decision within 20 business days on whether the action will require assessment and approval. During such time, a 10-day public comment period is anticipated and for the Commonwealth to liaise with the Northern Territory EPA (NT EPA) to ensure their decision-making processes are aligned. Provaris’ Executive Director and Chief Development Officer, Garry Triglavcanin commented: “The EPBC Referral has been prepared to demonstrate that the Tiwi H2 Project will be developed in a safe, sustainable and efficient manner, pursuing a minimal environmental and social impact. We look forward to the DCCEEW’s decision, expected by late November 2022.” Tiwi H2 made a Referral submission to the NT EPA on 30 June 2022. The public comment period for EPA Referral closed on 30 August 2022, and so a decision from the NT EPA on the level of environmental assessment required is expected during October 2022. Provaris’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Martin Carolan continued: “Provaris continues to advance the Tiwi H2 from concept design through to the phases of detailed design, engineering and approvals to ensure the project maintains its position as an early mover in the export of green hydrogen from Australia. We are now actively seeking partners for joint development of the project given the simplicity of compressed H2 offers a shortened development timeframe and lower project capital cost to export hydrogen into the emerging Asia-Pacific markets.”

Tiwi H2 - Project Overview

The Tiwi H2 project comprises the proposed development of a 100,000 tpa green hydrogen production and export facility on Melville Island (being part of the Tiwi Islands), which is strategically located in the most north-western part of Australia (~80km north of Darwin), Northern Territory, Australia, and in proximity to the emerging hydrogen markets of Asia-Pacific. Tiwi H2 Project comprises two distinct components, the first being the development of the “Upstream hydrogen production” and the second being the “Midstream hydrogen transport” to market. [caption id="attachment_109583" align="aligncenter" width="655"] Fuel Cells Works, Provaris Lodges Federal EPBC Referral Submission for Tiwi H2

Fuel Cells Works, Provaris Lodges Federal EPBC Referral Submission for Tiwi H2

Figure 1 Scope of the Tiwi H2 Project Concept Design Study[/caption]

Scope of the Tiwi H2 Project

The scope of the Tiwi H2 project are outlined in a number of precinct areas are also outlined in the project’s NT EPA Referral submission made on 30 June 2022. Refer to figure 3 below for an illustration.

Solar Precinct: solar farm (of sufficient capacity for 100,000 tpa hydrogen export) to be developed on existing, poor performing, plantation land, together with a battery energy storage system and a step-up substation.
HV Transmission Line: 30 km, dual circuit, 275kV transmission line, adjacent to an existing road, to deliver electricity from the Solar Precinct to the existing Port Melville.
H2 Production Precinct: comprising of step-down substation, electrolyser facility and option for additional battery energy storage system (if required).
H2 Export Precinct: comprising of desalination plant (supply of demineralised water to the electrolyser facility), compression and hydrogen loading facilities to facilitate Provaris’ H2Neo carriers.
H2 Shipping – transport of gaseous compressed hydrogen to South-East Asian energy markets via a fleet of Provaris’ proprietary H2Neo carriers with a capacity of 26,000m3. The H2 Import Terminal was included in the Study scope (comprising of unloading berth and facilities; and scavenging compression to accommodate the unloading of Provaris’ H2Neo carriers).

A Design Concept Study was completed in early August 2022, confirming the Tiwi H2 project is technically feasible for an integrated compressed hydrogen production and export project utilising proven technologies. First hydrogen production and export is targeted for early 2027 (subject to successful offtake and final permitting requirements), for an assumed 30-year project life. The Tiwi H2 project will utilise a fleet of Provaris’ proprietary H2Neo GH2 carriers for distribution into Asia-Pacific energy markets, with the engineering and final Class approvals on track for 2023. 100,000 tpa of green hydrogen export could offset ~900,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum across power generation, mobility and industrial applications. [caption id="attachment_109584" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Fuel Cells Works, Provaris Lodges Federal EPBC Referral Submission for Tiwi H2

Fuel Cells Works, Provaris Lodges Federal EPBC Referral Submission for Tiwi H2

Figure 3: Illustration of the proposed Tiwi H2 Project[/caption] Provaris is now advancing a partner process to seek interested groups in the areas of investment, offtake, construction and operational support to jointly develop the project. [caption id="attachment_109585" align="aligncenter" width="379"] Fuel Cells Works, Provaris Lodges Federal EPBC Referral Submission for Tiwi H2

Fuel Cells Works, Provaris Lodges Federal EPBC Referral Submission for Tiwi H2

Figure 4: Proximity of the Tiwi H2 project to Asia Pacific markets[/caption]

Provaris Energy

Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX: PV1) is the leading developer of integrated compressed hydrogen projects for export to regional markets. Our purpose is to develop green hydrogen supply chains that are simple and efficient to enable the global transport of zero-carbon energy. Provaris is developing a portfolio of integrated green hydrogen projects, leveraging our innovative compressed hydrogen GH2 Carrier with a focus on value creation through innovative development that aligns with our business model of simplicity and efficiency. The choice to support all development phases of a project is in line with Provaris’ strategic desire to develop and invest in profitable hydrogen projects across the value chain, with a measured risk profile, and to retain an equity position of these assets over the long term.