Fortescue is pushing to the forefront of sustainable energy initiatives with the proposed development of a green hydrogen facility in Lewis County, Washington, known as the Centralia project. Set to be a 300MW electrolyzer plant, this facility aims to produce green hydrogen on a 137-acre former coal mine site and is located adjacent to TransAlta’s Centralia coal power plant, slated for closure in 2025.
Key Highlights
- Location: Lewis County, Washington
- Job creation: Over 300 direct jobs during the construction phase, with 45 permanent, direct jobs during operations.
- Capacity: 300MW electrolyzer plant, producing 110 tonnes of green H2 per day.
- Technology: Supplying cost-effective green hydrogen for grid reliability and decarbonizing heavy-duty trucking and other heavy industry.
Strategic Impact
The green hydrogen produced at Centralia is set to meet regional demand, with a focus on keeping the environmental benefits within the Pacific Northwest. Fortescue's Centralia project has earned recognition as part of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub and secured funding from the US Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED). This funding will bolster Fortescue’s place in the Pacific Northwest, covering advanced planning, detailed design, environmental permitting, and procurement of equipment.
Fast Facts
- Site: 137 acre former coal mine site
- Engineering status: Design phase, full permitting in subsequent phases subject to Final Investment Decision by the Fortescue Board.
- Construction timeline: Anticipated kick-off in 2026, extending into 2028.
Fortescue's Centralia Green Hydrogen Facility is not just a project; it's a catalyst for positive change, driving economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability in Lewis County and beyond.