The WA Government has awarded a $15 million grant to the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH) project — a clean energy facility that will conduct research, tests and demonstrate decarbonisation technology solutions.

The KETH is the leading project of Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC).

It will be the only cryogenic gas and green hydrogen testing facility in the southern hemisphere that is working towards a net zero emissions production process.

KETH CEO Simona Chady states that this facility will contribute to positioning WA as a global leader in clean energy by accelerating commercial-scale hydrogen and also decarbonising the sector through advanced technology development.

Previously known as the LNG Futures Facility, KETH will include a 2 MW polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolyser, an LNG plant and a range of testing sites.

The facility’s PEM hydrogen electrolyser is expected to produce up to 800 kilograms of hydrogen per day.

“This grant will provide us with the momentum needed to take a Final Investment Decision (FID) on Phase 1 which will include hydrogen, training, and R&D facilities. With this milestone, the project will be one of the first operational facilities in Kwinana, WA. Over 50 separate research projects are planned for KETH and it will also play a crucial role training the workforce needed for tomorrow’s energy system.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the State and Federal Governments as well as industry to deliver and grow the know-how as well as skills and infrastructure needed to achieve this aim. This project is a great example of collaboration between industry, government, training and research organisations and we thank FEnEx CRC and the Western Australian Government for their support of the project.”

This major grant is part of the $148 million provided by the WA Government under the Investment Attraction Fund (IAF).

WA Premier Roger Cook said: “Through the Investment Attraction Fund, we’re driving a strong and diversified economy that delivers secure, quality jobs for the future. We’re building on WA’s economic strengths, and embracing new and innovative industries – positioning our State at the forefront of the global energy transition.”