February 26, 2026
FEnEx CRC executes lease with Development WA to construct its KETH Stage 1 R&D building in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area.
The Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) has secured a lease with DevelopmentWA to begin construction of Stage 1 of the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH).
Located within the Kwinana Industrial Area, the KETH project will deliver a multi-user, open-access testbed dedicated to accelerating the commercialisation of new energy solutions and de-risking decarbonisation technologies. This project will also support training and skills development for the workforce needed by these rapidly evolving fields. Stage 1 includes a state-of-the-art R&D building designed by Ferguson Architects.
The lease covers 0.5 hectares of a 3-hectare site allocated to FEnEx CRC by the WA Government. The land has been set aside for the staged development of KETH and will be dedicated to establishing permanent national infrastructure for clean energy innovation.
Construction of the Stage 1 R&D Building is due to be complete in October 2026. The workforce and materials used to plan, design and construct the KETH Stage 1 R&D building will be sourced entirely from WA based entities, demonstrating FEnEx CRC’s commitment to local industry participation.
The site’s location within the Kwinana Industrial Area offers access to hydrogen, CO₂, natural gas, and other key inputs – making it unique in Australia for demonstrating emerging technologies alongside existing industry operations.
Professor Eric May, CEO of FEnEx CRC, said the lease marked an important milestone in bringing the Hub to life.
“This milestone is about more than just securing land – it’s about delivering national infrastructure that not only helps industry reduce emissions but also boosts Australia’s reputation as a clean energy innovator worldwide.”
Dean Mudford, DevelopmentWA CEO, said:
“KETH is exactly the kind of future‑focused project we are proud to enable. This lease unlocks strategically located land to support Western Australia’s clean energy transition, while creating long‑term employment and industry capability. More than a development milestone, it reflects our commitment to activating land in ways that deliver lasting economic value and position WA at the forefront of decarbonisation.”
Together with its international network of partners, FEnEx CRC is positioning Australia as a global leader in emissions measurement and verification, energy decarbonisation and the provision of low carbon fuels, supporting both national and international decarbonisation goals.
About the FEnEx CRC
The FEnEx CRC is a $163M+ 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 is a flagship project of the FEnEx CRC being built on a 3-hectare site within the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area with $15 million in support 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. Stage 1 is set to open in 2026 and will support training for future clean energy jobs, boost the development of a hydrogen ecosystem in WA, and help position Australia as a leader in decarbonised energy exports.
Media contact:
Managing Director and CEO: Eric May Eric.May@fenex.org.au | +61 8 6488 2954