August 3, 2026
August 4, 2026
Final Investment Decision on Hydrogen Process Plant marks next phase for Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub
- Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research (FEnEx CRC) has awarded an $8.6 million EPC contract to Pacific Energy for the hydrogen process plant at the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH).
- Detailed design is now underway, with construction scheduled to commence in March 2027.
- The contract marks the next phase of delivery for KETH’s clean energy research and demonstration infrastructure.
- KETH is being developed as an open-access facility to support industry, research, and workforce development for cleaner energy development.
The Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH) has taken another major step towards operation, with the Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) awarding an $8.6 million engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to Pacific Energy for the facility’s hydrogen processing plant, which will produce both high-pressure gaseous hydrogen and cryogenic liquid hydrogen for offtake.
The contract will see detailed design commence immediately, ahead of construction beginning in March 2027. This follows strong progress on KETH’s Stage 1 Research and Development (R&D) Building, which is on track for completion in late 2026.
Together, the hydrogen process plant and Stage 1 R&D Building will provide industry and researchers with access to infrastructure for testing, validating and demonstrating clean energy technologies under real-world operating conditions.
“This contract advances KETH into its next phase of development and brings us closer to establishing a facility that will support collaboration between industry, researchers and government,” Professor May said.
“The hydrogen processing plant is a critical component of KETH’s long-term capability, providing infrastructure to test, validate and demonstrate emerging technology under real-world operating conditions while supporting technology development, workforce training and innovation.”
Professor May said Pacific Energy’s experience in process engineering and project delivery would support the successful delivery of a key component of KETH’s future capability.
“We have been working closely with Pacific Energy on advancing this project for 12 months. They bring valuable expertise and capability to the project, and we are pleased to be working together to deliver this next phase of KETH as we continue building infrastructure that will support industry, researchers, government, and partners.”
Pacific Energy CEO, Mike Hall, echoed the sentiment, saying the partnership is laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Western Australia (WA).
“This project represents a significant step forward in WA’s hydrogen capability, and we’re proud to be partnering with FEnEx CRC to help bring it to life,” Mr Hall said.
“While our core focus remains providing reliable, fit‑for‑purpose energy solutions for our customers, partnering on KETH ensures we help grow the broader clean energy ecosystem that will support WA’s industrial future.”
Located within the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area, KETH is being developed by FEnEx CRC as a clean energy research and demonstration facility that will support the development and commercialisation of emerging energy technologies.
The project aligns with the WA Government’s Diversify WA strategy and the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda. FEnEx CRC is supported through the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program.
ENDS.
About FEnEx CRC
FEnEx CRC is a AU$163 + million collaborative research organisation established in 2020. With 49 partners from industry, government, and universities, FEnEx CRC executes cutting-edge, industry-led research, education, and training to help decarbonise Australia’s gas and LNG production while building the capacity to produce, store and transport clean hydrogen.
FEnEx CRC research is supported by a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources through the CRC program. More at www.fenex.org.au.
About KETH
KETH, a flagship project for FEnEx CRC, is being built on a 3-hectare site in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area. Supported by a $15 million grant from the WA Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, KETH will be an open-access facility where businesses, researchers, and innovators can test and demonstrate clean energy technologies in real-world conditions, accelerating their path to market. Set to open its first stage in 2026, KETH will also offer training for future clean energy jobs and boost WA’s role in developing a decarbonisation ecosystem, positioning Australia as a leader in clean energy exports.
About Pacific Energy
Pacific Energy is an Australian market leader in the provision of sustainable distributed energy, operating for over four decades, with owned-and-operated assets at 48 sites nationally and nearly 1GW of contracted capacity under management.
A trusted partner at the forefront of the clean energy transition, Pacific Energy is uniquely positioned to offer clients a complete in-house experience that delivers renewable and traditional power generation solutions from design, manufacturing and construction through to commissioning and operations and maintenance.
With unrivalled capability across all energy technologies, Pacific Energy has demonstrated experience integrating solar, wind, green hydrogen and battery energy storage into new and existing remote power systems, with an end goal to maximise efficiencies and minimise emissions.
Pacific Energy is headquartered in Perth, WA and has operations in Kalgoorlie, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. It is owned by QIC‑managed and advised funds.
Media contact:
FEnEx CRC: Managing Director and CEO Eric May Eric.May@fenex.org.au | +61 8 6488 2954
Pacific Energy: Manager of Communications Zoe Cunningham communications@pacificenergy.com.au | +61 411 313 336