Hydrogen
Orica gives green light to $283 million Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub
The HVHH will use recycled water and renewable electricity to produce approximately 4,700 tonnes of renewable hydrogen each year
-
By ICN Bureau | July 07, 2026
Orica has approved the final investment decision for its Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub (HVHH), marking a major step forward in the company’s push to decarbonise ammonia production in Australia.
The commercial-scale renewable hydrogen facility will be integrated with Orica’s existing ammonia manufacturing operations at Kooragang Island in New South Wales and is expected to begin construction in 2026, with first production targeted for early 2029.
Built using established technology already operating at scale internationally, the HVHH will use recycled water and renewable electricity to produce approximately 4,700 tonnes of renewable hydrogen each year.
The hydrogen will support the production of around 26,600 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia annually and is expected to reduce Orica’s reliance on natural gas feedstock by about 7.5 per cent.
The project represents a capital investment of between $245 million and $283 million from 2026 to 2029, after accounting for government capital funding support.
Orica expects 2026 capital expenditure on the project to total between $25 million and $37 million, in addition to its existing business capital expenditure forecast to remain broadly in line with 2025 levels.
The Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub is backed by the Australian Government, the New South Wales Government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), highlighting its role in supporting Australia’s transition to cleaner industrial production.
Once operational, the facility will position Orica among the companies advancing large-scale renewable hydrogen deployment while helping reduce emissions from one of the country’s key industrial sectors.
