The Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) and Pacific Energy are advancing Western Australia’s hydrogen ambitions, progressing Stage 2 of the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH) with key equipment secured and front end engineering design (FEED) now underway.
The milestone marks a significant step toward on-site hydrogen production and testing capabilities in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area.
The hydrogen process plant will deliver approximately 130 kilograms per day of gaseous hydrogen and around 100 kilograms per day of liquid hydrogen, supporting industrial testing, technology trials, and workforce training.
FEnEx CRC has contracted Pacific Energy to supply two NEL Series 4 C30 electrolysers and conduct FEED for the process plant.
Once operational, the facility will produce hydrogen for research and potential offtake, while providing a practical industrial setting for the evaluation and validation of emerging hydrogen technologies.
It will also deliver a platform for workforce development, enabling safe, real-world training for hydrogen operations.
FEnEx CRC Chief Executive Officer Professor Eric May said the new contracts marked a major step toward realising KETH’s full research and demonstration capability.
“With construction of the Stage 1 R&D building well underway, securing the electrolysers and starting FEED work for Stage 2 keeps us on track to deliver a complete hydrogen production, testing and validation platform,” said Professor May.
He emphasised that the hub aims to bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment.
“This is about creating a real industrial environment where hydrogen technologies can be safely tested and proven before commercial deployment, reducing risk for industry, accelerating development and strengthening Australia’s clean energy capability.”
Professor May said funding from the Western Australian government’s Investment Attraction Fund had been instrumental in advancing the next phase.
Pacific Energy CEO Mike Hall said the partnership with FEnEx CRC positions Western Australia for a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
“This project represents a significant step forward in Western Australia’s hydrogen capability, and we’re proud to be partnering with FEnEx CRC to help bring it to life,” said Hall.
The hydrogen process plant will be located immediately south of the Stage 1 R&D building, currently under construction within the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area.
Construction of the plant is expected to begin in late 2026, following completion of FEED and relevant approvals.
The initiative is supported through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program.
