Denmark based Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has announced plans for a large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia project with 7 GW electrolysis capacity. It will be powered by 4 GW solar and 10 GW wind energy in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.
Eyre Peninsula is where miner Iron Road also plans to set up the 5 GW Cape Hardy Green Hydrogen Project for which it recently selected Amp Energy (see Amp Bags Australian Green Hydrogen Project).
Speaking with local media, CIP Australia's Vice President Matthew Stuchbery said the Evergreen project is estimated to cost AUD 30 billion ($20 billion) and is part of its AUD 100 billion ($66 billion) pipeline of renewable projects in Australia.
The idea is to have offtake agreements signed for green hydrogen and ammonia, and for excess electricity to be fed into the grid. Currently, CIP is progressing discussions for the same. It expects to take final investment decision in 2028.
CIP's plan follows several other large scale green hydrogen projects announced in the state in recent times, however not all end up materializing. In May 2022, Kallis Energy axed its 6 GW green hydrogen project in the state citing 'unacceptable' environmental and permitting risks associated with water supply and desalination (see 6 GW Green Hydrogen Project Scrapped).
The state government nonetheless sees potential for green hydrogen as part of its target to become 100% renewable energy powered by 2030. Under its Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Draft Act currently seeking stakeholder feedback, South Australia plans to facilitate large scale hydrogen and renewable energy projects with a 'one window to government' licensing and regulatory systems.