Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) in partnership with the Queensland Government is set to build one of the largest hydrogen-equipment manufacturing facilities in the world.

Located in the regional city of Gladstone, the $114 million facility will manufacture electrolysers – a vital part of the production of renewable hydrogen.

The Green Energy Manufacturing Centre (GEM) will have an initial capacity to produce up to two gigawatts of electrolysers annually.

FFI Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, said as the centre develops according to FFI’s own requirements and other customer needs, manufacturing will come roaring back to regional Australia, creating many thousands of jobs.

“Fortescue is again ahead of the curve and we are immensely proud to be pioneering a Green Energy Manufacturing Centre in Gladstone,” he said.

“This initiative is a critical step in Fortescue’s transition from a highly successful pure play iron ore producer to an even more successful green renewables and resources powerhouse.”

FFI has also announced a partnership with manufacturer Incitec Pivot to commence a joint feasibility study into conducting a green hydrogen and green ammonia production and export facility on Gibson Island.

Future expansion plans of both electrolyser manufacturing and other renewable energy components will support further regional investment in hydrogen production.

Queensland continues to strengthen its position in the renewables sector following announcements of several initiatives including:

  • Stanwell and Japan’s largest hydrogen supplier Iwatani forming a hydrogen consortium that will export an estimated $4.2 billion in renewable hydrogen from Gladstone
  • Sumitomo Corporation partnering with Gladstone Ports Corporation, Gladstone Regional Council, CQUniversity Australia and Australian Gas Infrastructure Group to develop Australia’s first hydrogen ecosystem in Central Queensland
  • Plans for Sun Metals in Townsville to use hydrogen in their refinery operations and trucking fleet, and transition their zinc refinery operations to 100% renewable energy by 2040
  • Rio Tinto signing a statement of cooperation with the Queensland Government to seize opportunities in clean energy in Central Queensland.