Hydrogen solutions developer Fabrum and energy and metals company Fortescue have successfully commissioned Australia’s largest liquid hydrogen plant at Fortescue’s Green Energy Hub, in Christmas Creek, Western Australia.

Fabrum collaborated with Fortescue to deliver an end-to-end hydrogen ecosystem for Fortescue decarbonise its mining operations.

The facility comprises a hydrogen liquefication plant, liquid hydrogen storage and a liquid hydrogen refuelling station. It is capable of producing about 350 kg of liquid hydrogen a day and has 600 kg of storage capacity. 

Liquid hydrogen from the plant will be used to power Fortescue’s zero-emissions mining equipment prototypes, including its Offboard Power Unit and its hydrogen-powered haul truck prototype.

“While others in the industry might see the decarbonisation challenge as too big, Fortescue is leading the way in adopting new technologies to enable a zero-emissions economy.

“Together, we’re demonstrating the future is here now – and that our liquid hydrogen production and refuelling technologies can enable industry to power operations and transport today,” comments Fabrum executive chairperson Christopher Boyle.

Fabrum CEO Dr Ojas Mahapatra says the project represents Fabrum’s entry into the mining and minerals industry and adds to its work in heavy transport, aviation and other industries. He deems it an exciting time for Fabrum as it can meet the increasing global demand for hydrogen production systems.

Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto adds that the company is moving at speed to decarbonise and complete its hydrogen ambitions, having now launched the largest gaseous and liquid hydrogen plant on any mine site in Australia. “The plant is testament to our commitment to leading heavy industry in decarbonising.”

He further explains that hydrogen and fuels made using renewable energy have a role to play in decarbonising mining, whether it is in buses, heavy mining equipment such as haul trucks and excavators, or producing green iron. 

“This renewable hydrogen plant is versatile, enabling us to produce gaseous and liquid hydrogen to be used to power our mining equipment prototypes, while also providing the added benefit of refuelling our fleet of coaches at Christmas Creek,” Otranto states.