Australia's largest hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing facility has opened in Queensland. 

An electrolyser produces hydrogen by using electricity to split water (H2O) into its constituent parts, Hydrogen & Oxygen.

Fortescue Energy chief executive Mark Hutchinson said as the world looked to decarbonise and the demand for green hydrogen grew so too would the demand for electrolysers.

"This facility, delivered and commissioned in less than two years … is a demonstration of what is possible when governments and business work together in the interests of our economy and our environment," Mr Hutchinson said.

The facility is the first stage of a wider Green Energy Manufacturing Centre being developed by Fortescue in Gladstone.

The next phase — a 50-megawatt green hydrogen production facility called PEM50 — received approval today from Queensland's Coordinator-General.

PEM50 will use the locally made electrolysers to produce green hydrogen for local and export markets.

In recent years, "Green hydrogen" — hydrogen made without fossil fuels — has been identified as the clean energy source that could help bring the world to net-zero emissions.

The initial production capacity of the manufacturing centre is 2 gigawatts per annum, but at full running capacity the facility will be able to produce more than 200,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year.

Stephanie Gray from the Queensland Conservation Council said this facility was another step in Queensland's transition from coal and gas. 

"When Queensland's export partners start moving away from coal and gas, we need a plan in place to replace that for our jobs and regional economies," Ms Gray said.

"So this is really exciting for these communities."

Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett said the facility cemented Gladstone's place as Australia's hydrogen hub.

"Everywhere around the world, whether it is Japan, Taiwan, or here locally, everyone is talking about Gladstone and central Queensland in terms of hydrogen production and renewable energy," Mr Burnett said.

The two projects will generate 240 jobs during construction and 26 ongoing local jobs.

Original Story By | Scout Wallen