The Northern Territory’s energy and infrastructure landscape is evolving under new strategic priorities that emphasise security, affordability, and system reliability. As industrial demand and water pressures increase, understanding the potential for circular economy approaches, such as the reuse of treated wastewater, has become essential for responsible infrastructure planning. This project will evaluate the feasibility of using treated wastewater to support large-scale hydrogen production in the NT. Using scenario-based techno-economic modelling, environmental assessment, and infrastructure analysis, it will deliver evidence-based insights to inform future infrastructure and regulatory planning, particularly for emerging water-intensive industries such as hydrogen. The research aligns with the FEnEx CRC’s Hydrogen Export and Value Chains program by contributing to the design of cost-effective hydrogen production infrastructure, water supply chain modelling, and strategic assessments of Northern Australia’s potential as a future export region. It also complements the responsibilities of DLPE’s Water Resources Division under the NT Water Act by providing data and analysis relevant to water planning, regulation, and reuse. This research lays the groundwork for future applied studies. Project findings may inform the conceptual design of a pilot-scale trial using CDU’s REMHART Hydrogen Stand-alone Power System (H₂ SPS), enabling potential real-world validation of wastewater-to-hydrogen pathways.
The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct (MASDP) has been proposed as a future industrial hub focused on low-emissions industries, including hydrogen. Although policy directions have shifted, supporting infrastructure, such as the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project and the availability of up to 40 ML/day of treated wastewater discharged into Darwin Harbour offer potential pathways for hydrogen development. However, realising this potential depends not only on availability but also on treatment processes, water quality, and highly seasonal climate conditions, which must be factored into any long-term planning. Expected Outcomes This project will generate critical knowledge that will:
(a) Provide evidence-based insights to inform infrastructure and water planning related to emerging water-intensive industries such as hydrogen. (b) Support industry and investor confidence by evaluating the costs, constraints and sustainability of treated water reuse.
(c) Deliver a replicable methodology for assessing circular economy opportunities in water-scarce regions across Australia and internationally.
Partners: Charles Darwin University
Project Leader: Dr Suresh Thennadil
Duration: 2 years