Land approval for Pilbara energy projects

Four proponents aiming to start their renewable energy projects have cleared a planning hurdle after receiving approval to use land in the 2,500-hectare Maitland strategic industrial area.

The state government today announced its Industrial Lands Panel has approved allocations of land for four projects in the area to be delivered by Fortescue Future Industries, Yara International, Hexagon Energy Materials, and Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers.

The Maitland SIA, being 24km west of Karratha and 39km south of Dampier Port, comprises 2,500 hectares of land to facilitate the processing of the state’s resources in the Pilbara region.

It is one of 13 strategic industrial areas in the state, led by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and delivered by DevelopmentWA.

The four projects will produce hydrogen and ammonia, and generate renewable power, according to the state government.

Maitland SIA has also been the preferred site for Hexagon Energy Materials' Blue Hydrogen project to produce low-emissions ammonia for the growing Asian market.

The company announced on the ASX that the project area covers 40 hectares and it would progress discussions with DevelopmentWA to finalise key terms for land tenure.

"This is a huge milestone for the project and clears the way for advancing the other strategic partnerships which were contingent on securing the project site," Hexagon chairman Charles Whitfield said.

"With this cornerstone asset confirmed, I expect to see results from the other key components of the project work to be formalised in the near future.”

Business News previously reported that Perdaman plans to construct a 100-megawatt solar power facility in Maitland strategic industrial area (SIA).

State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook said the approvals would turn the greenfield site into a globally competitive, multi-product industrial precinct.

“Land allocated in the Maitland SIA will enable a range of projects, including ammonia, hydrogen and renewable energy, which will aim to decarbonise emissions on the Burrup Peninsula,” he said.

“This is exciting news for the Pilbara, and in particular for Karratha and Dampier, as these projects will create a pipeline of local jobs for years to come.”

Mr Cook said the state government has prompted early and ongoing engagement with the traditional owners through the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, as the recognised custodians of the land.

Proponents are also obliged to enter into an Indigenous land use agreement with Ngarluma, the state government said.

Mr Cook sits on the Industrial Lands Panel with Lands Minister John Carey.

“This is a major boost for regional WA, and in particular for the City of Karratha, as these projects create and sustain local jobs while strengthening and diversifying the state’s economy,” Mr Carey said.

“Land allocations in Maitland SIA will enable a range of projects that will aim to decarbonise emissions on the Burrup Peninsula and establish WA as a significant exporter of low-emissions energy."

Energy Development Limited is the sole proponent in the Maitland SIA, developing its LNG plant as part of the West Kimberley Power Project.