In a major step forward for Australia’s green energy landscape, Hiringa Energy, Sundown Pastoral Company, and the New South Wales government have announced that Financial Close has been achieved on the ambitious Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project.
With all development milestones met, construction is set to commence in October this year, marking a major milestone for right-sized, demand-led green hydrogen initiatives in Australia’s burgeoning renewable sector.
The GEGHA project is an integrated solar-to-low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia facility, located beside Sundown’s Joint Venture Wathagar cotton ginning operation near Moree, NSW.
Upon its completion, the plant will produce up to 4,500 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia each year — displacing traditional, fossil fuel-based nitrogen fertilisers and eliminating up to 17,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually.
This is equivalent to taking 6,500 cars off the road or planting half a million trees.
Sundown will use the ammonia fertiliser to support the production of its positive net-zero, traceable Good Earth Cotton, while surplus supply will be made available to regional growers.
The facility will also supply approximately 224 tonnes of green hydrogen annually for direct use, supporting Hiringa’s heavy-vehicle refuelling network and enabling on-farm diesel displacement in irrigation pumping — a critical move towards full decarbonisation of the agricultural supply chain.
“Getting the green light for green fertiliser production isn’t just about producing low-carbon ammonia,” said Hiringa co-founder and CEO Andrew Clennett.
“It’s a model for overcoming the obstacles that have held back the establishment of these new green industries.
“By strategically partnering with Sundown Pastoral Co, we’re anchoring demand with supply to meet the immediate needs of the agricultural sector.”
GEGHA will deliver East Coast Australia’s first green fertiliser supply, offering regional producers competitive and stable pricing for both fuel and feedstocks.
By using renewable energy to generate hydrogen through electrolysis — rather than natural gas or coal — the GEGHA facility renders ammonia production virtually emission-free.
This innovation substantially reduces both carbon emissions and import dependence, improving resilience against global supply chain disruptions.
Reflecting on the partnership, Owner of Sundown Pastoral Company David Statham remarked: “Agriculture is always adapting – as farmers we have adapted for generations. We have been measuring our emissions and reductions for the past five years.
“There is an increasing demand for fibres that demonstrate a lower footprint and the GEGHA project allows us to further control the reduction of our emissions.”
By switching to GEGHA-produced ammonia, regional farmers can boost their environmental credentials, better plan for sustainable growing seasons, and cater to consumers’ rising demand for low-carbon products.
“The GEGHA project demonstrates how low-carbon ammonia can be integrated into regional farming through a scalable, cost-effective model.
“As both a template and a catalyst GEGHA paves the way for decentralised fertiliser production across NSW’s agricultural valleys — cutting emissions, meeting demand, and driving a more resilient regional economy,” added Mr Clennett.
Project financing was secured through National Australia Bank (NAB).
The initiative is supported under the NSW government’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030, in association with Hiringa Energy and Sundown Pastoral Company.
The GEGHA facility is expected to be fully operational by early 2027.
GEGHA at a glance
- Partnership: Joint venture between Sundown Pastoral Company & Hiringa Energy Limited, managed by Hiringa Energy Pty Ltd.
- Location: Sundown land, 33km southwest of Moree, NSW, adjacent to a 9MW solar farm and the Wathagar Cotton Gin.
- Renewable Generation: 36MW solar capacity (9MW existing, 27MW new), backed by 41MWh battery storage and grid connection.
- Electrolysis: 15MW capacity, using renewable electricity and local water.
- Ammonia Plant: Capable of 16 tonnes per day (4,500 tonnes/yr), with 600 tonnes storage.
- Hydrogen Storage: 3 tonnes.
- Scalability: Planned expansion for NSW Riverina and Gwydir regions (each >50MW electrolysis, ~20,000 tonnes ammonia/year).
The GEGHA project offers a repeatable, distributed template, with Hiringa Energy progressing expansion plans across regional NSW and Queensland to meet growing regional demand with low distribution costs.
This project represents a landmark in Australia’s journey towards a net-zero, sustainable agricultural future — anchored by innovation, partnership, and a clear vision for resilient, local supply chains.
