Plans for the Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH), one of Australia’s largest proposed clean energy projects, are progressing through a partnership involving InterContinental Energy, CWP Global and the Mirning Indigenous community. The project is planned on the traditional lands of the Mirning people in southeastern Western Australia and will use solar and wind power to produce green hydrogen at scale, reports Inspect.
The site has been chosen for its strong natural advantages, including consistent sunlight and wind across a broad plateau. In the first phase, the project is expected to generate up to 8 gigawatts of renewable power, a level comparable to the total rooftop solar capacity installed across Australia. This electricity will be used to produce as much as 500,000 tonnes of green hydrogen each year.
The hub will be developed in stages over several decades. Plans include large solar and wind facilities, hydrogen production units, desalination plants and a marine terminal to support exports. The project also includes proposals for manufacturing some components on site, using existing road and rail links.
The hydrogen produced is expected to serve both domestic and overseas markets, with potential use in mineral processing, heavy transport and marine energy supply.
Environmental work is already under way, including studies of land and marine ecosystems and ongoing monitoring of wind and solar resources. Cultural assessments are also a key part of the project, with developers working closely with Mirning traditional custodians to identify and safeguard areas of cultural and spiritual importance.
Since 2019, the project has passed several major milestones, including being recognised by the state government as a Lead Agency project and later as a Major Project. A final investment decision is expected by 2029, while regulatory approvals, technical studies and community engagement continue.
Project partners say the Western Green Energy Hub could play an important role in positioning Western Australia as a major contributor to the global shift towards cleaner energy, while respecting the environment and Indigenous heritage.
