Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Plant Set for New South Wales Cotton Farm

A groundbreaking partnership between Hiringa Energy and Sundown Pastoral Co aims to boost sustainable farming in northern New South Wales, thanks to a $36 million grant from the NSW government. The collaboration will see the construction of a renewable ammonia and green hydrogen production facility situated on a cotton farm near Moree.

This initiative is not just about harnessing renewable energy but is also tailored to assist farmers in their production processes. By utilizing renewable electricity in a process known as electrolysis, water is divided into oxygen and hydrogen, with the latter being termed “green hydrogen” due to its emission-free production method. The subsequent by-product, ammonia, will serve as a low-carbon fertilizer for crops.

With a 27-megawatt solar farm at its core, the facility is projected to generate around 45,000 MWh of energy annually. According to Hiringa Energy, this could potentially replace over 1.4 million liters of imported diesel, leading to a reduction of over 17,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. David Heard, Hiringa’s executive director for Australia, emphasized the uniqueness of the venture, noting its amalgamation of solar energy, hydrogen manufacturing, and onsite ammonia production and utilization.

The NSW government mandates the facility to be operational by 2025. While the timeline is stringent, the overarching goal is to reduce carbon footprints in agriculture. David Statham, owner of Sundown Pastoral Co, highlighted that between 75-85% of their emissions emanate from fuel and fertilizer. He envisions a future where their cotton production results in near-zero emissions, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

However, as Australia embarks on this green journey, experts like Professor Francois Aguey-Zinsou from the University of Sydney believe there’s still a lot to be done. While he appreciates the efforts of pilot projects, he insists on a more structured approach. Citing other advanced global projects, he urges Australia to ramp up renewable energy efforts and bolster its skill set to truly embrace a lower carbon future.