BP pushes back commissioning of AREH hydrogen project

The Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH), a massive green hydrogen production plant proposed to be set up in Western Australia, is expected to launch initial operations by the early 2030s, with green ammonia exports anticipated in the mid-2030s.

Formally known as the Asian Renewable Energy Hub, AREH will create one of the largest renewable and green hydrogen hubs in the world. The project, which will be underpinned by 26 GW of wind and solar generation capacity, will be developed in multiple phases in the Pilbara region and will be able to produce 1.6 million tonnes of green hydrogen or 9 million tonnes of green ammonia annually at full capacity.

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While the first exports were previously targeted for 2027-2028, the project’s new website shows that 2029 has been set as the potential date for launching renewable power generation. Solar arrays and wind turbines with a combined capacity of roughly 1 GW will be installed under Phase One. According to the new timeline, hydrogen production will begin by the early 2030s, while green ammonia production to export customers will be initiated by mid-2030s.

AREH was first launched in 2017 by CWP and InterContinental Energy. The scheme is now majority-owned and operated by BP Plc (LON:BP), which made its initial investment in 2022. Its joint venture partners are Intercontinental Energy and CWP Global with stakes of 26.39% and 10.04%, respectively.