Media Release: FEnEx CRC And Pacific Energy Advance Hydrogen Production At Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub

FEnEx CRC And Pacific Energy Advance Hydrogen Production At Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub

• FEnEx CRC and Pacific Energy advance the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub toward hydrogen production, with equipment secured and FEED underway.

• Facility to deliver ~130 kg/day gaseous and ~100 kg/day liquid hydrogen to support industrial testing and skills development in WA

The Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) has secured key equipment and commenced Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for Stage 2 of the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH), progressing on-site hydrogen production and testing in Western Australia.

FEnEx CRC has contracted Pacific Energy to supply two NEL Series 4 C30 electrolysers and undertake FEED for the Hydrogen Process Plant. The Stage 2 facility will produce hydrogen on site and provide a practical industrial setting for technology trials.

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Once operational, the Stage 2 facility will:

• Produce 130 kg per day of gaseous hydrogen for research, testing and potential offtake
  
• Produce 100 kg per day of liquid hydrogen for pilot-scale testing and demonstration
  
• Enable real-world conditions for hydrogen technologies to be safely tested before large-scale deployment
  
• Deliver practical training capability to support workforce development in hydrogen operations
  

FEnEx CRC CEO Professor Eric May said the contracts marked a significant step in delivering KETH’s full capability.

“With construction of the Stage 1 R&D building well underway, securing the electrolysers and starting FEED work for Stage 2 keeps us on track to deliver a complete hydrogen production, testing and validation platform,” Professor May said.

“This is about creating a real industrial environment where hydrogen technologies can be safely tested and proven before commercial deployment, reducing risk for industry, accelerating development and strengthening Australia’s clean energy capability.”

He said the project would support WA’s decarbonisation and skills development, with the grant from the WA Government’s Investment Attraction Fund instrumental in progressing the next phase.

Pacific Energy CEO Mike Hall echoed the sentiment, saying the partnership is laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Western Australia.

“This project represents a significant step forward in Western Australia’s hydrogen capability, and we’re proud to be partnering with FEnEx CRC to help bring it to life,” Mr Hall said.

“By drawing on Pacific Energy’s proven experience in engineering and deploying hydrogen production, compression and storage systems, we’re helping establish a facility that will accelerate technology development and build the skilled workforce our state will need in the years ahead.”

“While our core focus remains providing reliable, fit-for-purpose energy solutions for our customers, partnering on KETH ensures we help grow the broader clean energy ecosystem that will support WA’s industrial future.”

The Hydrogen Process Plant will be located immediately south of the Stage 1 R&D building currently under construction in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area. Construction of the hydrogen process plant is expected to commence in late 2026, following completion of FEED and relevant approvals.

The KETH Stage 2 project aligns with the WA Government’s Diversify WA strategy and the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda. The Australian Government supports the FEnEx CRC through the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources’ CRC Program.

ENDS.

About FEnEx CRC

FEnEx CRC is a AU$163 million collaborative research organisation established in 2020. With 49 partners from industry, government, and the university sector, FEnEx CRC executes cutting-edge, industry-led research, education, and training to help decarbonise Australia’s gas and LNG production while building the capacity to produce, store and transport clean hydrogen.

FEnEx CRC research is supported by a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources through the CRC program. More at www.fenex.org.au.

About KETH

KETH, a flagship project for FEnEx CRC, is being built on a 3-hectare site in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area. Supported by a $15 million grant from the WA Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, KETH will be an open-access facility where businesses, researchers, and innovators can test and demonstrate clean energy technologies in real-world conditions, accelerating their path to market. Set to open its first stage in 2026, KETH will also offer training for future clean energy jobs and boost WA’s role in developing a decarbonisation ecosystem, positioning Australia as a leader in clean energy exports.

About Pacific Energy

Pacific Energy is an Australian market leader in the provision of sustainable distributed energy, operating for over four decades, with owned-and-operated assets at 48 sites nationally and nearly 1GW of contracted capacity under management.

A trusted partner at the forefront of the clean energy transition, Pacific Energy is uniquely positioned to offer clients a complete in-house experience that delivers renewable and traditional power generation solutions from design, manufacturing and construction through to commissioning and operations and maintenance.

With unrivalled capability across all energy technologies, Pacific Energy has demonstrated experience integrating solar, wind, green hydrogen and battery energy storage into new and existing remote power systems, with an end goal to maximise efficiencies and minimise emissions.

Pacific Energy is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia and has operations in Kalgoorlie, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. It is owned by QIC-managed and advised funds.