Fortescue launches its first US green hydrogen production facility

Fortescue has announced it has broken ground on its first green hydrogen facility in the USA. Part of the company’s $550 million venture into green hydrogen production in the United States, the first of Fortescue’s planned green energy investments in North America, Arizona Hydrogen, will be built in Buckeye, Arizona.

At the 64 ha facility, Fortescue Executive Chair and Founder Andrew Forrest praised the Biden Administration’s commitment to the energy transition.

“The US has made serious strides in attracting global investment in green hydrogen and decarbonisation projects, like Fortescue’s solar- and wind-powered Arizona Hydrogen facility,” he said.

According to new economic data from NDP Analytics, during the two-year construction phase, Arizona Hydrogen has the potential to create up to 2244 direct, indirect and induced jobs. The facility could add US$187.8 million to Arizona’s GDP and generate a potential US$31.7 million in income and sales taxes for state and local governments.

During the operation phase, Arizona Hydrogen is expected to employ 40 people at the facility itself, as part of a potential 431 direct, indirect, and induced jobs. Arizona Hydrogen could also add US$59.2 million to Arizona’s GDP, and generate $9.1 million income and sales taxes for state and local governments annually.

Arizona Hydrogen is slated to produce up to 10,000 tonnes of liquid green hydrogen annually and is strategically positioned to significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty on-road transportation sector. The south-west market consumes approximately 19 billion litres of diesel annually in heavy-duty transport, making PHH a vital player for reducing emissions in the mobility sector.

“Buckeye is happy to welcome Arizona Hydrogen to the Sustainable Valley,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn. “Fortescue’s investment in our community helps Buckeye, and the entire state of Arizona, continue to grow efficiently and sustainably for generations to come.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Scharfsinn86