Farms near Moree are set to gain access to locally produced hydrogen-based fertiliser and fuel after the NSW Government approved the Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia project.
The facility will be powered by renewable energy and is planned as one of the first large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production operations in New South Wales.
The project has reached financial close and will involve more than $70 million in investment through a joint venture between Hiringa Energy Pty Ltd and Sundown Pastoral Company. The NSW Government is contributing $45.2 million to support the development of green hydrogen production in the state.
When operational, the plant is expected to produce enough green hydrogen to manufacture about 4,500 tonnes of ammonia each year.
Designed to supply a working farm
The facility’s main customer will be Sundown Pastoral Company’s Keytah cotton farm near Moree.
Hydrogen and ammonia produced at the plant will replace diesel and fossil fuel-derived fertiliser currently used in the farm’s operations. Any remaining production will be available to supply other farming businesses in the region.
The model allows hydrogen-derived fertiliser and fuel to be produced close to where they are used, which reduces the need to transport products over long distances.
Jobs and regional economic activity
Construction of the project is expected to create at least 60 jobs, with around 10 ongoing roles once the plant is operating.
The development is also intended to help establish a commercial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia supply chain in northern New South Wales.
Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said the project demonstrates how renewable energy can be applied in sectors where reducing emissions has been difficult.
“The Good Earth Green hydrogen and Ammonia project demonstrates how renewable energy is helping reduce emissions in sectors like agriculture that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise.”
A model for regional hydrogen supply
The project introduces a decentralised approach to ammonia production, where fertiliser is manufactured closer to agricultural users rather than transported from large central facilities.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project also reduces freight requirements associated with traditional fertiliser supply chains.
“Innovations like this which not only replace the use of traditional fossil fuels but cut the need for lengthy transportation are an exciting sign of how industry is evolving to support more sustainable outcomes.”
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said agriculture continues to adapt as new technologies become available.
“This is a great example of how the oldest industry in the world – agriculture – is to this day continuing to find ways to innovate.”
