Works on the $140 million Pilbara Hydrogen Hub in Port Hedland Western Australia are underway, with construction now commencing on important roads and intersections.
The Lumsden Point Access Road and Pinga Street intersection upgrades along the north coast have begun.
The jointly funded project by the Federal and Western Australian governments aims to help build infrastructure to support hydrogen exports as well as fund activities for a Clean Energy Training and Research Institute.
The road and intersection work at Lumsden Point will support the import of wind turbine and renewable energy components into the Pilbara, as well as the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates.
To complement the Lumsden Point development, a new grade-separated rotary interchange will be constructed at the current intersection of Great Northern Highway and Pinga Street.
Pinga street will be connected to the new Lumsden Point Access Road by two new single-span, 15-metre-long structures, with four lanes over a round underpass.
New ramps will allow access on and off the Great Northern Highway, with new turning pockets to be built at the Lumsden Point Access Road.
Related stories:
- Bardavcol awarded contract on T2D-linked intersection upgrade
- First look unveiled for new Sydney Metro stations
- Preferred alliance revealed for North South Corridor works
The new intersection aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at Lumsden Point and Pinga Street, while also facilitating the safe movement of oversize vehicles out of Lumsden Point.
Progress on the Lumsden Point Port development has made progress, including new shipping berths and a lay-down area for imported equipment.
According to Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the efficient import of renewable energy components is essential to the development of Western Australia’s renewable energy industry and achieving net zero goals.
Lumsden Point provides an alternative import facility to Fremantle, which aims to reduce transport emissions.
The Federal Government committed $565 million in grant funding to support common user port upgrades at Port Hedland and Dampier in the Pilbara.
Roger Cook, Western Australian Premier, said the Pilbara is a globally recognised resources hub, and demand for renewable energy will only become stronger into the future.
“By building our hydrogen production capability, we are investing in the future of the Pilbara,” he said.
“The work being done now will ensure that the region that powers the nation’s economy can be powered by renewable energy.”