Energy company Xodus announces major Mid West green hydrogen project

Multinational energy consultant Xodus has announced plans for a new green hydrogen project based in the Mid West.

The project, labelled MercurHy, will produce green hydrogen at a industrial scale according to the company, headquartered in Scotland.

MercurHy will be scaled up over time as the market for green energy develops, Xodus said, and it could have a total electrolyser capacity of 1000MW at its peak.

In comparison, the ATCO Clean Energy Park which is also set to be also be built in the Mid West, will have a capacity of 10MW.

The company said the Mid West was well-suited for green hydrogen production due to the high amount of renewable energy resources, local ports giving access to global markets, available land, reliable electrical infrastructure and strong support from government.

Xodus managing director Stephen Swindell expressed his eagerness for the project and what it could mean for the development of the green hydrogen economy.

“We believe the world needs high quality, scalable renewable energy projects such as MercurHy to bridge the gap between the size of the currently operational projects and the future gigawatt-sized developments,” he said.

“The aim of this project is to push the supply chain forward, reduce technology risks and achieve cost reductions.”

“It’s an exciting project. We have led it from its infancy and have attracted partners to achieve joint success. With the expertise and knowledge to be architects of this opportunity, our aim is to have an active role in energy transition with the high quality, low carbon, economically viable projects that Australia and the world desperately needs.”

Xodus did not confirm the exact location or timeline for the project but said it had the support of local landowners and the State Government.

Minister for Hydrogen Industries Alannah MacTiernan said the project was yet another example of the prime position WA and the Mid West were in for green hydrogen production.

“International players are really understanding that WA is where renewable hydrogen projects really make sense,” she said.

“The Mid West in particular is a destination of choice, with natural assets and government investment making it a great hunting ground for international project developers like Xodus.”