Gladstone gas network to go green as works start on Aussie-first project

• Ground has been broken on the site for a facility that will deliver renewable hydrogen into Gladstone’s natural gas network
• New training, research and job opportunities in the pipeline
• Palaszczuk Government backing industries of the future

Construction has started on a facility that is set to make Gladstone the first city in the nation with an entire gas network supplying customers with a hydrogen gas blend.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles visited Gladstone today to launch works on the project, delivered with funding support from the Palaszczuk Government.

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group’s (AGIG’s) Australian Gas Network is building the blending facility to deliver renewable hydrogen into the city’s gas network, servicing about 770 properties.

AGIG will deliver up to 10 per cent hydrogen gas to customers with plans to eventually convert its entire Gladstone network to renewable gas.

More than $2.72 million has been committed to the project through the Queensland Government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.

The Hydrogen Park Gladstone project is expected to create new training, research and job opportunities for the region.

The project will also contribute to the state’s renewable energy targets of 70 per cent by 2032 and net zero by 2050, outlined in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

Once complete, the facility will be the first in Australia to blend renewable hydrogen

into an entire gas distribution network supplying residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:

“Today marks another important step forward to our state’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse,” Mr Miles said.

“Queensland is leading the charge in growing the green hydrogen sector and our government is committed to driving all the opportunities that this brings.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has committed more than $165 million to support renewable energy and hydrogen-related industry development, including the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.

“Our regions are uniquely set up to support the shift to new, high-value industries like renewable hydrogen that will set Queensland up for prosperity for decades to come.

“With its port facilities, access to infrastructure and skilled workforce, Gladstone is positioned perfectly to tap into the renewables revolution.

“Earlier this year I released our Queensland New Industry Development Strategy, which aims to make this the state of opportunity in a decarbonising world.

“This project is a great example of how we are powering towards a cleaner and greener future and placing Queensland at the forefront of hydrogen production.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher:

“This AGIG project is an important stepping stone for Central Queensland.

“The first project of its kind in Australia, it will create training opportunities, new skills and jobs, while contributing to decarbonisation targets in our Energy and Jobs Plan.

“Importantly, it will also deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy to Queensland households and businesses.

“Working with industry and our communities will be vital to ensure we seize all the opportunities arising from the transition to a net zero economy.

“We’re building industries of the future - and a stronger future for regional Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to AGIG CEO Craig de Laine:

“HyP Gladstone builds on AGIG’s experience in renewable hydrogen project development in Australia. As Australia’s first city-wide project, HyP Gladstone takes a leap forward in showcasing the low-carbon future of gas supply in Australia.

“Importantly, renewable gases such as hydrogen can be delivered safely, reliably and at very little incremental cost through our world-class gas distribution network.

“AGIG is focussed on delivering its vision to provide renewable gas to our customers across Australia, including in Queensland This includes by providing at least 10% renewable gas by 2030 and 100% renewable gas by no later than 2050.

“We appreciate the Queensland Government’s ongoing support of HyP Gladstone, and the broader actions they are taking to develop a hydrogen industry in the state.

“Queensland is very well placed to benefit from this new low-carbon industry and the jobs it will create, including in regions such as Gladstone.

“Initiatives like the Queensland Government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and the landmark hydrogen industry development legislation introduced to parliament last week are important parts of enabling greater investment in hydrogen and renewable gas infrastructure.”

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter 0423 651 484