BP increases presence in Greater Geraldton area aiming towards clean energy production

Oil and gas giant BP is looking to move towards clean energy, with a greater presence in the Mid West expected to help the company track towards its net zero goals.

BP’s Project GERI (Geraldton export-sale renewable investment) aims to use the wind and sun to create hydrogen for export through renewable means.

Last year, the company was able to access 105,000ha of land in the Mullewa region, including buying 27,500ha at cropping property Daisy Downs.

The company also has as an option to lease 220ha at the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area, 20km north of Geraldton, from the WA Government.

According to the oil and gas giant, the project is designed not only to produce low-carbon energy for the Mid West, but to help lower the carbon emissions of heavy industry, power networks, and long-term heavy transport.

A spokesperson from BP said the transition from oil to clean energy was important for its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“In Australia, BP is developing projects consistent with our global strategy and providing our customers with the fuels they need today, when and where they need them,” she said.

“Hydrogen has a key role in helping to achieve net zero — it’s complementary to electrification and will be pivotal in the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate transportation and industrial sectors where electrification is too expensive or not feasible.

“GERI could play a key role in supplying competitive renewable power and hydrogen for the processing of critical minerals, green steel production, and export.”

BP is looking to put up wind turbines and solar panels to create hydrogen for export.

The project is in the development stages, with BP consulting with stakeholders and the community on the plans, as well as early-stage engineering.

The spokesperson said the Mid West provided ideal conditions to produce clean energy.

“The Mid West region’s abundance of wind and sun means GERI could serve as a powerhouse of hydrogen production, creating jobs and attracting international investment,” she said.

“As well as playing a role in supplying renewable power and hydrogen for industry, it could also power the region’s future processing of critical minerals and, with an abundance of magnetite, potentially green iron and/or steel, and underpin renewable energy exports.”

Logistics planning is also taking place to determine what infrastructure and technical needs are required.

City of Greater Geraldton development services director Ryan Hall said investing in clean energy was an important step for economic growth.

“For BP to go forward as they are, we’ll see long-term growth,” he said.

“Geraldton is based around a port, which plays a really important role in importing and exporting.

“I expect to see more commercial and residential demand, and for those markets to become more active over a longer period.”

The company said the project could produce 14GW of wind and solar energy, to power 7GW of electrolysis activities to produce hydrogen.

BP is working with traditional owners as the project develops.