Substantial Investment of $5 Million Dedicated for Green Hydrogen Venture in Northam
The MEG HP1 Hydrogen project, a joint venture between Infinite Green Energy, Samsung C&T, and Doral Energy Group, is set to revolutionise the energy landscape in Western Australia. Located in the town of Northam, this project will host one of the first end-to-end green hydrogen production systems in the country.
The project, which is part of the WA Government's Investment Attraction Fund, will utilize an existing 11MW solar farm and will be funded with a $5 million commitment from the government. This funding will be used for the construction of two five megawatt (MW) electrolysers, hydrogen storage compression technology, and general construction.
Once operational, the project is expected to produce around four tonnes of hydrogen each day. This green hydrogen will serve as a cost-competitive, environmentally friendly alternative to diesel, and will be used in back to base and heavy transport operations, including garbage collection trucks.
The green hydrogen produced by the MEG HP1 Hydrogen project is a significant step towards decarbonizing the State's economy. It is also an important step to help kickstart the development of an end-user market for locally produced green hydrogen.
However, the project's future is currently uncertain due to financial difficulties faced by Infinite Green Energy, the company leading the project. Infinite Green Energy, which operates renewable energy assets including a solar farm in Northam and had plans for a large-scale hydrogen plant at Arrowsmith, entered administration in April 2025.
A $7 million restructuring proposal led by Ethica Capital aims to rescue the company out of administration and preserve some value for shareholders and creditors. If successful, this restructure would see Peter Coleman, former CEO of Woodside, returning as chair.
The bid to save Infinite still faces legal challenges, including a winding-up application by a creditor, with a Supreme Court hearing pending as of July 2025. Despite these challenges, the project remains supported by government investment initiatives aimed at attracting green hydrogen projects in the region.
The MEG HP1 Hydrogen project is expected to create over 100 jobs during construction, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. It is a testament to the WA Government's commitment to attracting new investment and creating local jobs, as outlined in the launch of the Investment Attraction Fund in March 2022.
For more information about the WA Government's Investment Attraction Fund, please visit https://www.investandtrade.wa.gov.au/opportunities/investment-attraction-fund. The fund has committed a total of $148.4 million for 40 projects, with the MEG HP1 Hydrogen project being one of them.
The MEG HP1 Hydrogen project, despite its current challenges, represents a promising future for green energy in Western Australia. If successful, it will serve as a model for future green hydrogen projects in the region and beyond.
- Science and environmental-science communities are keenly following the MEG HP1 Hydrogen project, as it will feature one of the first end-to-end green hydrogen production systems in Australia, revolutionizing the energy landscape and potentially serving as a model for future projects.
- In the event of the successful restructuring of Infinite Green Energy, the company leading the MEG HP1 Hydrogen project, there may be an opportunity for the industry and finance sectors to collaborate, funding the construction of hydrogen storage and compression technology, essential components for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen.
- If the MEG HP1 Hydrogen project becomes fully operational, it will contribute to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the WA Government's initiatives aimed at decarbonizing the State's economy and fostering sustainable development in the field of energy production.
