❓ Question regarding consultancies for a hydrogen/ammonia pipeline project within the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub, querying the need for repeat work and departmental responsibilities. The Minister's answer clarifies the reasons for the updated consultancy and provides an update on the project's status.
AnsweredQoN 1621Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
The Report on Consultants Engaged by Government for the six months ending 30 June 2023 notes a payment of $121,080 to Aurecon to advise and assist in updating a business case for the development of a new hydrogen or ammonia pipeline project within the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub by the Department of Jobs Tourism, Science and Innovation. On the assumption that the relevant responsibilities from this department transferred to the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, can the Minister advise: (a) How is this consultancy different from the $259,172 paid to Aurecon 12 months earlier through the Department of Treasury for the provision of a business case for a hydrogen and ammonia pipeline as part of the Pilbara Hydrogen hub; (b) What changed in 12 months to necessitate a new consultancy and a refresh of the work undertaken 12 months previously; (c) Why was the Department of Treasury responsible for the previous consultancy and the Department of Jobs, Tourism Science and Innovation responsible for the new consultancy; (d) Did the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation have access to the previous consultancy undertaken by Aurecon; (e) Was the business case completed: (i) If so, when; and (ii) What were the outcomes; (f) Can a copy of the business case be tabled: (i) If not, why not; (g) If a business case was not completed, why not; (h) Was there any further follow up or work by the Government on the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub following this consultancy: (i) If so, what were the details; and (ii) If not, why not; (i) What is the current status of the hydrogen and ammonia pipeline; and (j) What is the status of the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 April 2026
Responded by
Minister for State Development
Response time
12 days
(a-c) The initial work was to inform a Federal “Activating Hydrogen Hubs” grant application. The subsequent work was in regard to changed assumptions, evolved proponent proposals, revised hydrogen and ammonia demand forecasts, and clearer indications of project timing and sequencing.
The Department of Treasury and Finance was best positioned to procure the work within the required timeframe while JTSI continued to lead the work. JTSI procured the subsequent update.
(d-j) Yes. The business case was completed in August 2023 and included initiatives to support the development of the hydrogen and ammonia industries. The business case includes commercial in confidence information.
Following the updated work, the Government undertook follow-up work to test revised assumptions with proponents and relevant agencies.
Work continues to develop the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub with key enabling infrastructure completed or in development.
The Department of Treasury and Finance was best positioned to procure the work within the required timeframe while JTSI continued to lead the work. JTSI procured the subsequent update.
(d-j) Yes. The business case was completed in August 2023 and included initiatives to support the development of the hydrogen and ammonia industries. The business case includes commercial in confidence information.
Following the updated work, the Government undertook follow-up work to test revised assumptions with proponents and relevant agencies.
Work continues to develop the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub with key enabling infrastructure completed or in development.
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