Australia’s Fortescue mulls 250,000 tonne/year green ammonia plant in Tasmania

LONDON (ICIS)–Australia’s Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) on Tuesday confirmed that it is looking to develop a 250,000 tonne/year green ammonia plant in Tasmania to serve the domestic and international fertilizer markets.

The project envisages the construction of a 250 MW green hydrogen plant at the Bell Bay Industrial Precinct as part of the Tasmanian government’s Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding program.

The project, which is targeted for an investment decision by the Fortescue board in 2021, builds on the company’s investment in green hydrogen production and technologies.

It includes the development of new hydrogen technologies and a partnership to build and operate the first combined green hydrogen production and refuelling facility in Western Australia.

Fortescue CEO Elizabeth Gaines said, “Working with our wholly-owned subsidiary Fortescue Future Industries, we are assessing clean energy opportunities locally and internationally to capitalise on the important role that green hydrogen will play to ensure the world can meet the Paris 2050 targets.

“Subject to detailed feasibility analysis, the Tasmania Project will be an important step in demonstrating our intention to position Australia at the forefront of the establishment of a bulk export market for green hydrogen.

“Fortescue has a successful track record of identifying and assessing opportunities and by building on our expertise and supply chain capabilities, we will ensure that the financial and project execution discipline that Fortescue is renowned for is applied to projects developed by Fortescue Future Industries.

“Partnering with the Tasmanian government to harness the abundant renewable energy in Tasmania, we see potential to create a significant new green industry.”