The New South Wales government has given the green light to an innovative green hydrogen and ammonia project that will help cut emissions for Moree farms.
The Good Earth green hydrogen and ammonia project will be one of the first large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production facilities in NSW.
The project will be powered by renewable energy and will support the decarbonisation of farming activities.
NSW Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said: “The Good Earth green hydrogen and ammonia project demonstrates how renewable energy is helping reduce emissions in sectors like agriculture that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise.
“NSW is building the technology to cut emissions, support our industries and create new jobs of the future.”
The more than AU$70 million project is a joint venture between Hiringa Energy Pty Ltd and Sundown Pastoral Company. The state government is investing AU$45.2 million in the project, which has now reached financial close.
Once operational, the facility is expected to produce enough green hydrogen to create 4,500 tonnes of ammonia a year for use as fuel and fertiliser. The plant will primarily Sundown’s Keytah cotton farm ending their reliance on diesel and fossil fuel produced fertiliser.
Any surplus will be available to supply other local farming operations in the region, helping to decarbonise traditionally emissions heavy activity.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “This is a project that will power the regional economy while helping NSW move towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
“Innovations like this, which not only replace the use of traditional fossil fuels but cut the need for lengthy transportation, are an exciting sign of how industry is evolving to support more sustainable outcomes.”
The government said the project will create at least 60 jobs during construction and around 10 permanent roles once operational.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said: “This is a great example of how the oldest industry in the world – agriculture – is to this day continuing to find ways to innovate.
“This is a great project that will see local farms able to replace fossil fuels with renewables, supporting a more sustainable future in NSW.”
