Tiwi Hydrogen Project Awarded Major Project Status

24 August 2022

An export green hydrogen project on the Tiwi Islands is building momentum, with the Northern Territory Government announcing it has gained Major Project Status.

Provaris’ $4.5 billion Tiwi H2 (Hydrogen) Project has the potential to be a first-mover in the world’s transition from fossil fuels to zero-carbon energy, and will demonstrate the commercial advantages of compressed hydrogen production and export from the Northern Territory to markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Major Project Status recognises the significant, positive and enduring impact Tiwi H2 will have on the Territory’s economy.

The project is estimated to create 500 jobs during construction and 100 positions once operational, with a lifespan of 30 years. 

Tiwi H2 is strategically located on the Tiwi Islands - the traditional lands of the Munupi people. The project utilises existing plantation and industrial land to create jobs and income for the Tiwi people.

The Tiwi H2 Project intends to use solar energy to produce up to 100,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen for export markets, using Provaris’ proprietary GH2 Carriers for shipping to the Asia-Pacific region. The Tiwi Islands have existing port infrastructure and an industrial precinct at Port Melville providing a competitive advantage to export to the region.

The Government’s Northern Territory Hydrogen Masterplan outlines the Territory’s competitive advantages and how the Territory will leverage these advantages to be a centre of hydrogen technology research, production and use in Australia.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“Tiwi H2 is an exciting renewables project – it will not only further diversify our economy, but also strongly position the Northern Territory as a key location for renewable hydrogen production.

“Establishing the Territory as a leader in the new energy economy means more opportunities for Territorians and Territory businesses – this sector will only continue to grow moving forward.   

“With one of the best solar resources in the world – and the development of projects like Tiwi H2 – the Territory will play a leading role in the emerging renewable hydrogen market.”

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Renewables and Energy, Selena Uibo:

“The Territory Labor Government is driving the future to renewable energy and energy security whilst positioning the Territory as the low-cost ‘clean’ energy centre.

“With this project being located on the Tiwi Islands, the Munupi people who are the Traditional Owners of the project location, are key to playing an exciting role in the development of renewable energy.

“As renewable hydrogen technologies are continuously evolving, having projects like this in the Territory is further cementing the Territory as a renewables super hub, while also creating long term jobs in the process.”

Quotes attributed to Provaris Managing Director, Martin Carolan:

“The endorsement of the Tiwi H2 project by the Territory with Major Project Status is another significant milestone for Provaris as we move forward with our development program.

“We look forward to a continuation of the support provided by the Territory in delivering what can be Australia’s first export hydrogen project, delivered using our compressed hydrogen solution.”

Northern Territory Government