The Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH) has taken another significant step towards operation, with the Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) awarding an $8.6 million engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to Pacific Energy for the facility’s hydrogen process plant.
The contract marks the next phase of delivery for KETH’s clean energy research and demonstration capability. Detailed design work is now underway, with construction of the hydrogen process plant scheduled to commence in March 2027.
KETH is being developed as an open access facility to support industry, research and workforce development for cleaner energy technologies.
The hub is located within the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area and is being delivered by FEnEx CRC to support the development and commercialisation of emerging energy technologies.
Once operational, the process plant will produce both high-pressure gaseous hydrogen and cryogenic liquid hydrogen for offtake, giving researchers and industry partners access to infrastructure capable of testing, validating and demonstrating clean energy technologies under real-world operating conditions.
The award of the EPC contract follows strong progress on KETH’s Stage 1 Research and Development Building, which remains on track for completion in late 2026.
Together, the hydrogen process plant and the Stage 1 building will form the core of KETH’s early operating capability, providing a platform for collaboration between industry, researchers, government and workforce development programs.
FEnEx CRC’s Professor May said the contract represented an important milestone for the project.
“This contract advances KETH into its next phase of development and brings us closer to establishing a facility that will support collaboration between industry, researchers and government,” said Professor May.
Professor May said the hydrogen process plant would play a central role in KETH’s long-term capability, and that Pacific Energy’s expertise in process engineering and project delivery made it well placed to deliver this stage of the project.
She noted that FEnEx CRC and Pacific Energy have worked closely together over the past 12 months to progress the project to this point, and that the partnership would continue as the hub’s infrastructure is built out to serve industry, researchers, government and other partners.
Pacific Energy Chief Executive Officer Mike Hall said the project reflected the company’s commitment to supporting Western Australia’s clean energy transition.
“This project represents a significant step forward in WA’s hydrogen capability, and we’re proud to be partnering with FEnEx CRC to help bring it to life,” said Hall.
Hall added that the company’s involvement in KETH complements its broader focus on delivering energy solutions for customers.
“While our core focus remains providing reliable, fit-for-purpose energy solutions for our customers, partnering on KETH ensures we help grow the broader clean energy ecosystem that will support WA’s industrial future.”
The KETH project aligns with the Western Australian government’s Diversify WA strategy and the Australian government’s Future Made in Australia agenda.
FEnEx CRC is supported through the Cooperative Research Centres Program.
With detailed design now progressing and construction due to begin in early 2027, KETH is moving closer to becoming a fully operational hub for hydrogen research, testing and workforce development, positioning Western Australia as a key contributor to the nation’s emerging clean energy industry.