Orica Secures $432M for Green Ammonia Hub as Hydrogen Race Heats Up

Australia’s hydrogen future just got a major boost as Orica’s Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub becomes the second project to win backing under the Hydrogen Headstart program, receiving $432 million in federal funding.

🏭 The 50MW electrolyser project at Kooragang Island (NSW) aims to replace fossil gas in ammonia production — a vital component in fertilizers, plastics, and explosives — with green hydrogen powered by renewables.

Hydrogen Headstart Round 1:

• ✅ Funded: • $814M – Murchison Green Hydrogen (WA) • $432M – Orica’s Hunter Hub (NSW)

• ❌ Rejected: Stanwell’s CQ-H2, plus projects in Kwinana, Tasmania & another Newcastle proposal

🌐 Federal Climate Minister Chris Bowen: “This investment secures industry, creates clean-tech jobs, and future-proofs the Hunter region.”

📉 Despite tough conditions and high green hydrogen costs, ARENA is now preparing Round 2 with another $2 billion on offer, inviting fresh consultations to support breakthrough projects.

🔍 The funding is performance-based and will be released over a 10-year period depending on actual hydrogen output.

🌏 Orica’s CEO Sanjeev Gandhi said this brings the company closer to decarbonising its 50-year-old facility and building a “cleaner, more resilient future.”

⚙️ Empowering the Hydrogen Workforce & Future — EServices4U

Green hydrogen and renewable ammonia demand not just funding but real-world execution support.

At EServices4U, we help businesses and communities transition to cleaner energy with:✅ Consultation for hydrogen & battery integration✅ Project planning & feasibility support✅ Workforce upskilling & technical advisory✅ Residential & commercial energy audits

Whether you're a manufacturer or developer, we're here to turn clean energy potential into reality.

🌐 Explore more at www.eservices4u.com.au