Advocates have proposed a huge new export hub for WA. 

The Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) was unveiled by WA hydrogen industry minister Alannah MacTiernan this week. 

The project, planned across 15,000 square kilometres in the Goldfields-Esperance region, could become one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects, Ms MacTiernan says. 

An international consortium has come together to lead the hub project, including renewables developers InterContinental Energy and CWP Global with First Nation landowners through Mirning Green Energy, owned by the Mirning Traditional Lands Aboriginal Corporation.

The announcement of the project comes not long after the federal government rejected plans for the $53 billion Asian Renewable Energy Hub planned in the east Pilbara region.

The Mirning representative on the WGEH board, Trevor Naley, said the partnership “will provide opportunities never before available to Indigenous corporations”.

“This representation alongside sustainable financial and substantial social benefits will provide security for future generations,” he said.

The project should produce up to 50 gigawatts of wind and solar power across the Shires of Dundas and the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, with about 3.5 million tonnes a year of zero-carbon green hydrogen, or 20 million tonnes a year of green ammonia.

Ammonia can be provided to domestic and export customers to turn into hydrogen fuel.

“The Western Green Energy Hub is a truly massive proposal that would see WA home to one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“Importantly, this project is a powerful collaboration between the Mirning traditional owners and industry, and would be a transformational opportunity for the community.”