Networking event reveals big plans for Rockingham and exciting new job opportunities for locals

The Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce hosted a Key Leaders in Business Breakfast on Tuesday, May 3, at Hotel Clipper in Rockingham. Attendees included community stakeholders, City of Rockingham councillors, Mayor Deb Hamblin and Liberal candidate for Brand Peter Hudson. Guest speaker from Woodside Energy Dr Marc Senders shared details of a new project, H2Perth, which the company hopes to bring to the Kwinana Industrial Area and Rockingham Industry Zone. H2Perth will be a large-scale hydrogen and ammonia production facility, set to occupy 130ha of vacant land. The project is subject to approval, with construction expected to begin in 2024 and finish by 2027. Dr Senders said an estimated 2000 jobs could be created in the construction phase of the project alone, and 200 ongoing operational positions. “When all phases are built, H2Perth will produce 1500 tonnes of hydrogen a day, and by 2050 that will all be from renewables,” he said. “Fifteen per cent hydrogen blending in the gas network can produce lower CO2 emissions and large-scale use of ammonia in coal-fired power stations will produce significantly lower global CO2 emissions. This is being trialled in Japan.” H2Perth would use electricity to power electrolysers that split water into oxygen and hydrogen, which could then be exported as ammonia or used here in Western Australia. “We will need people to work on and build the electrolysers — there’s so much more that hangs off this project, this will boost the local and State economies,” Dr Senders said. Ms Hamblin said that the City would welcome H2Perth pending information on the project’s details, and she felt the project would boost economic development in the Rockingham Industry Zone. “Helping to facilitate growth in the RIZ is a key part of the City’s Economic Development Strategy, and the City has long advocated for new job-creating industries to be established in the Rockingham region,” Ms Hamblin said. “The City looks forward to Woodside establishing itself as a major employer and energy provider in our region.” Ms Hamblin said events such as the Key Leaders in Business Breakfast provided businesses and key stakeholders with a chance to network and enhance business opportunities.