The project involves a potential conversion of a Washington-based coal mine by Fortescue Future Industries, which said it would evaluate the feasibility of converting the former Centralia coal mine into a green hydrogen production facility after entering into a binding exclusivity agreement with the Industrial Park at TransAlta (IPAT) in Washington, United States.
The proposed FFI green hydrogen production plant would enable the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors of the North American economy and support the development of a Pacific Northwest green hydrogen hub, potentially creating hundreds of new local jobs.
The Centralia coal-fired power plant adjacent to the IPAT project site is scheduled to close in 2025. Subject to the outcome of the feasibility studies, FFI’s intention would be to seek to employ the existing coal workforce for the proposed project, facilitating a transition into the emerging green energy economy.
Pacific Northwest stakeholders that FFI is collaborating with include Puget Sound Energy, Washington Maritime Blue, Twin Transit and the Lewis County Energy Innovation Coalition.