Warradarge and HDF Eye Strategic Hydrogen Partnership for Peaker Plant in Western Australia

Australian clean energy developer Warradarge Energy has signed a non-binding agreement with Hydrogéne de France (HDF Energy)’s Australian arm to supply up to 300 tonnes of green hydrogen annually to a planned fuel cell peaker plant near Eneabba, Western Australia.

The deal marks a potential milestone for long-duration energy storage, as the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) accelerates its decarbonisation efforts ahead of the planned retirement of coal-fired power stations by 2030.

Warradarge’s hydrogen will come from a nearby production facility powered by wind energy. The project’s first phase aims to produce up to 23,700 tonnes of hydrogen annually, with a future scale-up targeting 500 MW of production capacity.

The peaker plant, to be developed adjacent to the hydrogen facility, will convert stored hydrogen into electricity using fuel cells during peak demand periods.

Initially sized at 60MW, the facility has been designed for expansion up to 500 MW, aligning with growing grid storage needs.

The companies believe their collaboration is well-suited to filling gaps in the SWIS, where opportunities for traditional pumped hydro are limited.

“Western Australia faces a shortage of pumped hydro opportunities in the SWIS, which creates a critical need for innovative alternatives to ensure grid stability and reliability,” said HDF’s APAC Director, Mathieu Geze.

Both partners are now working toward a binding offtake agreement, contingent on each project reaching a final investment decision.