Construction has started on New South Wales first end-to-end green hydrogen and ammonia production plant, marking a step forward for the state’s regional energy security and sustainable farming.
Located near Moree, the Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project is a joint venture between New Zealand-based Hiringa Energy and the locally-owned Sundown Pastoral Company.
The facility is designed to produce essential fuels and fertilisers, shielding Australian farmers from the volatility of global supply chains and international markets.
The state government has backed the project with a AU$45.2 million investment through the NSW Hydrogen Hubs and Net Zero Manufacturing Initiatives.
Once operational in 2027, the plant is expected to produce up to 4,500 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia annually. This will replace fossil fuel-based imports and remove approximately 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking 6,500 passenger cars off the road.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, highlighted the project’s dual impact on the environment and the economy.
“The start of construction on GEGHA marks a major milestone for hydrogen capacity building in NSW, showing how clean energy investment can deliver real benefits for regional communities, industry and farmers,” the minister said.
“The current fuel shock shows why projects like this are so important – they help make farming supply chains more reliable by reducing our need for imported fertilisers.”
The plant will also generate over 200 tonnes of green hydrogen each year, earmarked for heavy-vehicle refuelling and reducing diesel consumption in on-farm irrigation pumping.
The green fertiliser produced will primarily serve Sundown’s 65,000-acre Keytah Farm and other agricultural properties across the New England region.
Sundown Pastoral Company owner David Statham noted that the project addresses a critical vulnerability for Australian agriculture.
“Australia is very vulnerable when it comes to imported fuel and fertiliser. Farmers live and breathe those pressures every day,” he said.
“We need to find another solution to insulate regional economies that are dependent on agriculture, and this shows it’s possible.”
