Massive 50-GW wind, solar, hydrogen power plant with unique ownership model announced in Australia

An international consortium made up of InterContinental Energy, CWP Global and Mirning Green Energy Limited, announced today an integrated green fuels mega project in the South-East of Western Australia.

When fully operational, the Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) could produce up to 50 gigawatts of hybrid wind and solar power over 15,000-square-kilometres in South-East Western Australia, across the Shires of Dundas and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The region provides an optimal diurnal profile for renewable energy, with consistently high levels of wind and solar energy over a 24-hour period said the consortium in a press release.

The project will be built in phases to produce up to 3.5 million tons of zero-carbon green hydrogen or 20 million tons of green ammonia each year, which will be provided domestically and exported internationally as the green fuels market continues to expand post- 2030.

The group adds that the project will deliver socio-economic benefits to the local community, as well as provide a huge boost to the Western Australia State Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy and the Commonwealth Government of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy. Green fuels produced at the site could help meet future demand from multiple sectors, including in co- firing in power generation, the shipping sector, heavy industry such as steel, chemicals and mining, as well as the aviation sector.

Some predictions say that the green hydrogen sector could become a US$2.5 trillion market by 2050.

In addition, WGEH will define a new model for natural resource and energy companies to partner with First Nations Land Owners. This is because Mirning Green Energy Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mirning Traditional Lands Aboriginal Corporation, will have a meaningful carried equity stake in the project, together with a permanent seat on the WGEH Consortium Board. WGEH will be developed with complete respect for the Mirning community and its heritage in the area, with specific corporate governance requirements in this regard built into the WGEH Corporate Charter.

Brendan Hammond, Chairman of the Board of WGEH said: “The Western Green Energy Hub is historic on two fronts. First, the scale at which we will be able to deliver green fuels to markets and customers around the world, helping to move us all towards a net-zero future. Second, and possibly more importantly, the way in which we are working with the Mirning People, the original owners of the land, to create a truly long-term and sustainable multi-generational partnership that  delivers enormous socio-economic benefits for the community. It is an honour and a privilege to be involved in this groundbreaking project.”

Trevor Naley, the inaugural Mirning Board Member of WGEH and the Chairman of the Mirning Traditional Lands Aboriginal Corporation said: “As First Nations Land Owners, the Mirning People are excited to hold such an integral and defining stake in this historical partnership with WGEH. This partnership through robust governance and a seat at the table for Mirning People will provide opportunities never before available to Indigenous Corporations. This representation alongside sustainable financial and substantial social benefits will provide security for future generations.

These commitments will encourage our young indigenous people to dream big, knowing that these ambitions can be realised. Pride in oneself, in culture and community will end the welfare cycle which has plagued many indigenous families. It is desired that through living and working on our native title land with WGEH, our people will live and work with enduring culture, strong leadership, innovative vision and values with heart.

There are many to thank for this journey and as we look toward the future, we the Mirning People wish our partners at WGEH great success with the project.”

In 2017 the Federal Court handed down a determination of exclusive possession native title to the WA Mirning People. This exclusive possession native title covers an area of approximately 2.2 million hectares in South-Eastern Western Australia.

The land is managed through a Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC), Mirning Traditional Lands Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.