Fortescue launches pioneering electrolyser manufacturing facility in Gladstone

Fortescue has officially inaugurated its cutting-edge electrolyser manufacturing facility in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia, marking a significant milestone in the global green energy sector. This facility, one of the first in the world equipped with an automated assembly line, spans 15,000 square meters and is poised to produce over 2 gigawatts (GW) of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser stacks annually. Its establishment in just over two years underscores Fortescue’s commitment to accelerating the green energy transition.

Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, Executive Chair and Founder of Fortescue, lauded the company’s pioneering role in the sector, highlighting the foundational support from both the Queensland and Federal Governments in Australia. This collaboration underscores the national vision for a sustainable energy future, setting the stage for a burgeoning manufacturing industry within Australia dedicated to green energy solutions. Dr. Forrest’s vision is one where the facility not only elevates Fortescue’s industrial capabilities but also catalyzes the creation of thousands of new green energy jobs across the nation.

Mark Hutchinson, CEO of Fortescue Energy, elaborated on the strategic importance of the Gladstone facility. By producing in-house designed electrolysers, Fortescue not only affirms its status as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) but also positions Gladstone — and by extension, Australia — as a pivotal player in the global shift towards green hydrogen as a key energy resource. The facility’s focus on innovation and the development of green hydrogen production technologies is aligned with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

The development of the Gladstone facility was significantly supported by the Queensland Government, which provided essential infrastructure support, and the Australian Government, contributing AU$44 million from the Modern Manufacturing Initiative’s Collaboration Stream. This backing underscores the collective commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in energy production.

As the demand for green hydrogen escalates globally, Fortescue’s Gladstone facility stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainable development. Beyond manufacturing electrolysers, the site is designed as a dynamic hub for learning and innovation, aiming to continuously evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape in green hydrogen production.

The electrolyser manufacturing facility is just the initial phase of a broader Green Energy Manufacturing Centre planned by Fortescue on the 100-hectare Gladstone site. Future phases will include a hydrogen system testing facility and the PEM50 green hydrogen project, further solidifying Fortescue’s commitment to green hydrogen as a cornerstone of its energy business.

The construction of the facility alone generated over 100 jobs, with projections indicating that the broader Centre will underpin more than 300 direct and indirect employment opportunities. This initiative not only reinforces Australia’s position as a leader in green energy but also demonstrates the tangible benefits of investing in sustainable technologies — both for the environment and for the economy.

Fortescue’s venture into electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production in Gladstone represents a strategic pivot towards sustainable energy solutions, promising significant environmental and economic benefits. This endeavor reflects a global shift towards green energy, positioning Australia at the forefront of this transformative industry.