Study on Green Marine Fuel Production in Portland Announced

The Victorian government is investing $500,000 in a feasibility study to establish a renewable marine fuel production hub in Portland, Australia. The study, led by HAMR Energy subsidiary Portland H2, will focus on the potential for a plant that converts plantation forestry into green methanol. It will also include preliminary engineering and planning for a 100-megawatt electrolyser to produce renewable hydrogen from water. Portland is located near Australia’s largest plantation forestry production area and has a deep-water port that handles around five million tonnes of forestry products annually. The study will investigate using plantation forestry residue to produce green methanol.

The government hopes that the establishment of a green fuel manufacturing hub in Portland could position Victoria as a leader in renewable energy production and support the decarbonization of the global shipping industry. The study is part of the $17 million Portland Economic Diversification Plan, which aims to support economic growth in the Glenelg Shire through various projects and planning. HAMR Energy director David Stribley welcomed the support for the study, highlighting the potential for Victoria to become a leader in renewable energy production.

This investment in a feasibility study for a renewable marine fuel production hub in Portland reflects the Victorian government’s commitment to renewable energy and decarbonization. By focusing on converting plantation forestry into green methanol, the study aims to utilize local resources and support the growth of the renewable hydrogen industry. The government’s support for this project aligns with its goal of transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like shipping. If successful, the establishment of a green fuel manufacturing hub in Portland could have significant economic and environmental benefits for the region.

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