North Queensland in the frame for new jobs
Japanese company IHI Corporation has announced it will join the North Queensland Clean Energy Project (HyNQ). The project is led by Energy Estate in partnership with CS Energy. This venture is poised to reshape the region’s energy sector by introducing green hydrogen, ammonia production, and renewable energy into the mix.
Idemitsu Australia’s CEO, Steve Kovac, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Energy Estate and other consortium members to explore the feasibility of manufacturing and exporting green hydrogen and ammonia.” This study aligns with HyNQ’s overarching goal of advancing green industries and the production infrastructure for green hydrogen and ammonia, offering low-carbon energy solutions.
The Queensland government has set ambitious renewable energy targets: 50 per cent by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032, and 80 per cent by 2035. HyNQ, if approved, will play a large role in achieving these milestones, harnessing the potential of solar and wind energy, and establishing a hub for manufacturing, green chemistry, and exports.
HyNQ is not just committed to energy though; it’s also about jobs. The project’s scope promises plenty of employment opportunities for North Queensland. From skilled technicians and engineers managing electrolysis facilities to logistics experts overseeing the export of green ammonia, job openings will span various skill levels.
HyNQ’s promise to develop shared infrastructure will drive the demand for local talent in areas like electricity transmission, energy storage, and water supply management. As Queensland works toward its renewable energy goals, HyNQ stands ready not only to bolster environmental sustainability but also to stimulate economic growth by creating numerous jobs.
Located within the Collinsville Renewable Energy Zone and with access to an existing deep-water port, HyNQ is poised to become a green energy export powerhouse. The Queensland government is investing $8.5 million in the Abbot Point Activation Initiative as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan hydrogen hubs program, actively supporting this development.
Queensland Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the state’s clean energy transformation is the prime source of job opportunities, driven by the comprehensive Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. This plan positions Queensland as a global leader in decarbonization efforts, emphasising its capacity to produce and export renewable hydrogen, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
