Samsung, Infinite plan $4.8bn hydrogen project

Perth company Infinite Green Energy has linked up with South Korea’s Samsung C&T to pursue the development of a world-scale hydrogen plant just south of Dongara.

With an estimated cost of $4.8 billion, the Arrowsmith plant is forecast to produce up to 300 tonnes of green hydrogen per day, or 100,000t per year for domestic and export markets.

It will include 700 megawatts of electrolysers to convert water into hydrogen, powered by a massive 750MW of solar panels, 1,550MW of wind turbines and 240MW of batteries.

The companies did not provide any details on funding sources for the ambitious project.

They are targeting first production in 2028.

The memorandum of understanding between Infinite and Samsung C&T comes four years after the unlisted Perth company initiated the Arrowsmith project.

It originally targeted the domestic Western Australian market, with production of up to 42t per day.

However, the company switched focus in 2021 and prepared design concepts for an export terminal, including a subsea pipeline to transfer the hydrogen (in the form of cryogenic gas) to ships.

Infinite managing director Stephen Gauld said partnering with Samsung C&T was an important step that continued to strengthen the confidence of all stakeholders in the project.

“Today’s announcement builds on the partnership we announced with Samsung C&T earlier this year for the development of our Northam MEG HP1 project, which has established a strong foundation for our relationship,” he said.

Infinite chairman Peter Coleman said Samsung C&T would bring knowledge, skills and relationships that would be critical to the successful development of Arrowsmith.

Samsung C&T president and chief executive of its E&C Group, Sechul Oh, said his company was committed to fast-tracking the energy transition, creating opportunities for people and businesses.

“Production of green hydrogen is a key component of that story,” he said.

Infinite said today Arrowsmiith could be even larger than its initial plan.

Expansions are being considered with Samsung C&T delivering seven gigawatts of renewable energy out of Arrowsmith, including 2,100MW of electrolysers.

Infinite said the primary focus was delivering the subsea pipeline and offshore loading facility by early 2028.

The project will also include a truck-offloading terminal, enabling Infinite to supply local industry.

Infinite said environmental approvals are being progressed through WA’s Environmental Protection Authority.

The Perth company said it anticipated the project would be connected to South West electricity network (the SWIS).

This would allow the grid to be extended to Geraldton and subsequently the Oakajee industrial area, which the state government has earmarked for hydrogen projects.

Hydrogen Industry Minister Roger Cook welcomed today’s announcement.

“The McGowan government welcomes this exciting development, which sees WA progress as a significant producer, exporter and user of this emerging renewable energy source,” Mr Cook said.

“Partnerships like these are vital to the delivery of the 2030 vision under the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy and future opportunities that come with it.

"With the crucial need to diversify and decarbonise here and around the world, the McGowan government is committed to the renewable hydrogen sector to help reduce emissions to achieve net zero greenhouse emissions.”

The Arrowsmith agreement comes just three months after Infinite and Samsung agreed to work together on the much smaller Northam project.

It includes a 10MW electrolyser, with power sourced from the Northam solar farm that Infinite bought last year.

It will produce 4 tonnes of hydrogen per day, with first output expected in 2024.

The green fuel will be used for transport sector, particularly among local governments.

Engineering firm Technip was selected in December to undertake a front-end engineering and design study for the Northam project.