Power firm Meridian has selected Australian oil and gas company Woodside as a preferred partner to progress development of the Southern Green Hydrogen project in New Zealand.

Woodside had entered into final stage negotiations with Meridian and former partner on the project Contact—which has exited the development but signalled its interest in supplying electricity—in June this year, competing against fellow Australian firm Fortescue Future Industries.

Woodside was chosen owing to its capability and experience in operations, process safety and liquids marketing, Meridian says. The consultation also involved close collaboration with representatives from local Maori groups.

“Woodside brings the technical skill and operations experience to develop this project at pace to meet customer demand for hydrogen” O’Neill, Woodside

“We are pleased to have been selected as the preferred partner for the proposed SGH project. Woodside brings the technical skill and operations experience to develop this project at pace to meet customer demand for hydrogen, which we expect to grow in the energy transition,” says Meg O’Neill, CEO of Woodside.

The Southern Green Hydrogen project targets 500,000t/yr of green ammonia production and is assessing options for supplying hydrogen and ammonia to the domestic market as well as export to Asia and Europe.

Japanese conglomerate Mitsui is in discussions to join the project, with a focus on developing the potential market for ammonia offtake.

Subject to finalising commercial arrangements, Meridian, Woodside, and Mitsui will work towards commencing Feed for the project, after which Meridian anticipates making an FID.

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Author: Polly Martin