Kalbarri-based Murchison Green Hydrogen wind and solar venture gets Federal Government major project status

A major onshore wind and solar energy project bound for the Mid West town of Kalbarri has received Federal Government support after it was awarded major project status. The Murchison Green Hydrogen project was granted the status by Federal Minister for Industry and Sciences Ed Husic in April, becoming one of 16 projects across the country recognised for its national significance and economic benefits. Based at the Murchison House pastoral station, 13km north-east of Kalbarri, the onshore wind and solar farm, desalination plant and green hydrogen production facility will compromise of 550 wind turbines, up to 10,000ha of solar panel arrays and associated production plants and storage to produce green ammonia for export. The wind farm will be seen from popular tourist viewpoints including Kalbarri National Park, Meanarra Hill lookout and the Kalbarri Skywalk. With the status, MGH will get help from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency to navigate complex regulatory government approvals and challenges. The project is expected to require a capital investment of $15 billion and is anticipated to create about 2500 jobs during the construction phase each year, with another 600 ongoing jobs once construction is complete. Murchison Green Hydrogen CEO Shohan Seneviratne said the major project status recognised the project’s national significance to Australia’s decarbonisation efforts and the development of the green hydrogen industry. “Major project status provides Murchison with assistance in navigating complex regulatory regimes through facilitation and coordination of the approval process,” he said. A webinar with more information and project updates will be held on July 30. More information can be found online.