Shire of Dardanup asks for expressions of interest in building hydrogen facility at Martin-Pelusey Road depot

A South West council will seek to take advantage of emerging green technology at its works depot as it looks towards a net-zero future. The Shire of Dardanup is asking contractors to express their interest in building, owning and operating a hydrogen plant and refuelling station within its works base in Waterloo. Chief executive Andre Schonfeldt said a preliminary feasibility study conducted by the council last financial year highlighted the potential economic and environmental benefits of the project. “The Shire of Dardanup is excited about the potential for this hydrogen facility and the positive impact it can have on the regional community,” he said. “Hydrogen provides an alternative fuel and energy for the future. The challenge will be the availability of infrastructure to support the transition to hydrogen.” Mr Schonfeldt encouraged interested parties to read the study alongside draft concept plans, which provide an in-depth background and the rationale of establishing such a facility in the region. The feasibility study considered the establishment of a range of facilities ranging from small-scale production of 100kg of hydrogen a day to large-scale production of 20,000kg of hydrogen a day, with the study showing promising results with a high level of return on investment and a reasonable payback period. All expressions of interest will be assessed before being presented to council, which is expected to occur in March next year. A site inspection for interested parties will take place at 11am on Tuesday at the Martin-Pelusey Road facility, with those wanting to take part asked to RSVP at procurement@dardanup.wa.gov.au. Expressions of interest for the project close on December 8.