The provision of reliable, affordable, and renewable energy is crucial for the thriving of regional Queensland in the future. The Gladstone region is actively contributing to this goal by delivering economic infrastructure to support the establishment of new industries. These industries include critical minerals mining and processing, sustainable aircraft fuel, materials handling, and hydrogen.

Gladstone has the potential to create more job opportunities across various industries, thanks to its existing strengths. With its past success in mining and processing, Gladstone can aim to establish a critical minerals industry. Additionally, the region’s thriving agricultural industry has inspired aspirations to create a sustainable aviation fuel industry within the existing industries.

Fortescue is a prominent player in the movement towards clean energy, exemplifying the efforts of industry leaders to develop sustainable solutions. One of their initiatives includes the manufacturing of electrolysers to support their business with the production of green hydrogen. Their latest achievement is the establishment of the world’s largest electrolyser manufacturing plant, located in Gladstone, within the Gladstone State Development Area.

The investment in hydrogen projects in Australia has significantly increased over recent years and accounts for a significant portion of global renewable hydrogen initiatives. In Queensland, there are currently several projects focused on green hydrogen and ammonia production.

Economic Development Queensland is excited to be a part of this journey by supplying a unique precinct zoned for large-scale, large-footprint industrial development within the Gladstone State Development Area.

Debbie McNamara, General Manager at Economic Development Queensland, discussed EDQ’s role in helping industry proponents to accelerate their clean energy futures: “At EDQ, we’re pushing for clean energy in our State Development Areas: we’re keen to support clean energy businesses and supporting players, keen to do deals and provide practical support to streamline the application and approvals processes. We’ve been helping some of Australia’s industry giants and supporting players move into our SDAs.”