Name of the Project
Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub (HVHH).

Location
New South Wales, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Origin Energy. 

Origin entered into a joint development agreement with Orica in July 2023 to progress the project through front-end engineering and design.

Project Description
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity sources, has emerged as a potentially significant enabler of Australia’s transition to a lower carbon economy.

The project proposed that the hub produce green hydrogen from recycled water sources and renewable electricity using a grid-connected 55 MW electrolyser.

The first phase of the hub is expected to produce 12 t/d of renewable hydrogen, reducing Orica’s daily natural gas demand for chemical feedstock by about 7.5%, which releases gas back into the grid for domestic consumption. This equates to 4 700 t/y of renewable hydrogen production, which is enough to produce about 26 600 t/y of low-carbon ammonia.

Project design would allow for the hydrogen production facility to be scaled up through subsequent phases, offering future expansion, including potential hydrogen export capability.

Future stages would also include investigating the feasibility of converting the local gas distribution network to 100% hydrogen to further support a hydrogen supply chain in the area.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure (capex) pertaining to construction is expected to be between $245-million to $283-million across 2026 to 2029 - net of government capital funding.  

Planned Start/End Date
Construction of the hub is scheduled to start before the end of 2026, with first production targeted for early 2029.

Latest Developments
Orica has reached a final investment decision on the Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub.

The facility will be constructed by specialised contractors using well-established technology deployed at scale internationally, and will use recycled water and renewable electricity to produce renewable hydrogen for ammonia production.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Orica, tel +61 3 9665 7111.
Origin Energy, email media@originenergy.com.au.