New Zealand’s Meridian Energy said it has selected Perth, Australia-based Woodside Energy Group Ltd. as the preferred partner to move forward to the development stage of its proposed Southern Green Hydrogen project in Southland, on the country’s South Island.
The 600 MW facility under consideration, if built, would produce 500,000 mt/y of green ammonia, and would be focused on the export market. A final investment decision will follow the development stage.
Wellington-based Meridian said it is also in discussions with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. to join the project and develop the potential market for ammonia offtake, with the aim of creating a world-class collaboration that covers the full hydrogen and ammonia supply chain. Mitsui has 50 years of experience in the ammonia business, including the largest share of ammonia imports into Japan.
Subject to finalizing commercial arrangements, Meridian, Woodside, and Mitsui will work towards commencing front-end engineering design for the project.
The selection of Woodside followed a competitive process during which Murihiku Regeneration, representing both Ngāi Tahu and the local rūnanga of Murihiku, were closely involved.