A round of government funding could make the possibility of a renewable hydrogen hub in Mandurah a reality, with $250,000 being put towards a feasibility study for the potential plant.
The McGowan government will invest a total $1.68 million to support feasibility studies across seven proposed renewable hydrogen projects for Western Australia, including that of a Renewable Hydrogen Transport Hub in Mandurah.
The studies will be funded through the McGowan government's Renewable Hydrogen Fund, which aims to position the state as a major producer, user and exporter of renewable hydrogen.
It is also expected to support development of the fledgling job-creating industry.
Other projects receiving feasibility funding include examining creating solar hydrogen for waste collection and light vehicle fleets in Cockburn and the potential for an electrolysis hydrogen production plant in the Great Southern or Wheatbelt.
Regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan said the funding was a significant step forward in exploring reliable energy sources.
"Western Australia needs to explore how we can produce, use and provide energy to our international partners through clean and reliable sources - renewable energy via hydrogen provides a means to do this," she said.
"These feasibility studies will facilitate significant private sector investment and leverage financial support for a job-creating renewable hydrogen industry in WA.
"We received 19 feasibility study applications of which seven have been selected: confirming there is strong interest in developing a renewable hydrogen industry in the state.
"The projects being investigated have the potential to create new jobs, skills and training opportunities - particularly in regional Western Australia."
