Yara’s green energy plan

Renewable hydrogen energy could soon be a possibility for the Pilbara, as fertiliser company Yara has received nearly $1 million to support a feasibility study at its plant, below.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has announced $995,000 in funding for the study, which will explore the potential to make industrial-scale green hydrogen possible at Yara’s existing ammonia production facility in the Pilbara.

Collaborating with green energy company ENGIE, the funding will help Yara work towards making carbon-free fertiliser by investigating hydrogen production via electrolysis and powered by solar panels.

Yara Pilbara general manager Chris Rijksen said renewable hydrogen would help produce green ammonia, which is the key ingredient for green fertiliser.

“Yara Pilbara welcomes the funding announcement for the feasibility study which, if successful, would be the first step to converting the plant from using natural gas to produce hydrogen to producing hydrogen from renewable power,” he said.

Mr Rijksen said the Pilbara was the ideal location for the project as it had plenty of sun and seawater, which were key ingredients.

ARENA chief executive Darren Miller said the feasibility study was another step in decarbonising the mining and ammonia production sectors across WA.

“Yara’s project will offer great insight into how Australia’s current ammonia producers can transition away from the use of fossil fuels towards renewable alternatives for producing hydrogen while continuing to leverage the substantial export capabilities that those companies have already established,” he said.

“Hydrogen has huge potential as a fuel of the future, and as a potential energy export for Australia.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government was taking practical steps to establish Australia as a world leader in hydrogen.