A massive proposed $4.5 billion green hydrogen project that could see 100,000 tonnes of compressed hydrogen produced on the Tiwi islands every year for export to the Asia-Pacific region has been given major project status by the NT Government.

Provaris Energy’s $4.5 billion Tiwi Hydrogen 2 project has received the status after being recognised as having significant, strategic impact and potential benefits to the Northern Territory, the government said.

Located on the Tiwi Islands, the Tiwi H2 project intends to use solar energy to produce up to 100,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen for export markets, using Provaris’s proprietary GH2 Carriers for export to the Asia-Pacific region.

Provaris and the NT Government have now entered a project facilitation agreement to develop the Tiwi H2 project. The government did not say if it would be contributing money towards the project, building infrastructure or providing any other taxpayer-funded contributions.

The government said in a statement that the Tiwi Islands have the existing port infrastructure and an industrial precinct at Port Melville that would be used for the project.

Tiwi H2 has a project life of more than 30 years, the government said, and is projected to generate 500 jobs during construction and 100 jobs once operations start, but it was unclear how these figures were calculated.

“Major project status will deliver the project access to coordinated and streamlined government agency support for future approvals and assistance with Federal Government agencies,” said Provaris managing director Martin Carolan.

“The announcement supports the Territory’s vision to be recognised as a leader in the transition to the green hydrogen economy.”

Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said the Tiwi Islands project would provide opportunities for the Munupi people, who are the Traditional Owners.

The Government’s Northern Territory Hydrogen Masterplan outlines the Territory’s competitive advantages and how the Territory will leverage these advantages to be a centre of hydrogen technology research, production and use in Australia.

“With one of the best solar resources in the world – and the development of projects like Tiwi H2 – the Territory will play a leading role in the emerging renewable hydrogen market,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said.

Obtaining major project status provides Provaris support, coordination and facilitation, a dedicated project case manager, assistance in identifying and mapping regulatory approvals, and facilitation of engagement from the Australian Government.