The South Australian Government is inviting national and international expressions of interest to develop land at Port Bonython in the Upper Spencer Gulf, one of the state’s most prospective hydrogen export hubs.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said EOIs will be rated on their ability to develop projects that have the potential to create economic growth and regional development on the Eyre Peninsula, as well SA more broadly, and contribute to Port Bonython as a multi-user, export-focused precinct to leverage the state’s advantages in renewable energy, fuels and minerals.
“This is a significant piece of land that, when properly developed, has the potential to create significant economic and jobs growth not only for the Upper Spencer Gulf, but for the whole of South Australia,” Mr Lucas said.
Port Bonython was identified as an export hub for both green and blue hydrogen during the development of South Australia’s Hydrogen Export Modelling Tool. The tool was released in October last year and is being used by companies around the world to model the cost of producing and exporting hydrogen from SA.
The state-owned site has outstanding access to multiple renewable energy zones and boasts over 2,000 hectares of available land as well as access to an existing deep-water port comprising a 2.4-kilometre long jetty – which has been approved for a $37 million State Government-funded upgrade.
The nearby town of Whyalla boasts a highly skilled workforce, the Whyalla steelworks, a container port, strong national electricity grid connection as well as modern rail and road infrastructure.
Through the National Hydrogen Strategy, which indicates a national hydrogen industry could generate about $11 billion a year in GDP by 2050, Australia has deepened established networks of international trade relationships and partnerships for clean energy.
Mr Lucas said South Australia’s Hydrogen Action Plan, regulatory frameworks, support for demonstration projects, international relationships and informational resources for investors clearly demonstrate the state’s commitment to establishing international hydrogen supply chains.
“Having a hydrogen hub exporting to Australian and international markets will leverage the $20 billion pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects under development in South Australia.”
“Our state is a great place in which to do business and we are committed to becoming a national and international exporter of clean power while obtaining our goals of 100 per cent renewables and 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”
“Our expectation is that during the 2030s we will generate more clean power than is required for local use, setting us up to become a national and global force in clean energy export.”
Mr Lucas added that the Government will be looking for projects which complement and strategically align with existing and future land uses in the Port Bonython precinct. The site is home to Santos’ processing plant, which receives natural gas liquids and crude oil piped 659 kilometres from the Moomba plant for export, and a diesel fuel import and storage terminal.
Port Bonython has a rich and unique environment which includes aquaculture and a marine sanctuary to protect Giant Australian Cuttlefish and future projects will be required to comply with environmental legislation.
Expressions of Interest will be open for a period of six weeks and include requirements for developments to commence within five years.
EOI responses received will help inform the Government’s next steps, which may include further site planning to accommodate a range of project types.
Expressions of Interest documentation is available via the SA Tenders and Contracts website.
