How we helped lay the foundations for a large-scale hydrogen and ammonia hub
The Energy Evolution Hub (EEH) sets a new benchmark for Australia’s energy transition. Located in south-west Queensland, this ambitious development was conceived to produce green and blue ammonia for both domestic use and export markets, helping to position the region as a key player in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Northstar Energy engaged Verbrec to deliver a comprehensive pre-feasibility study to evaluate the project’s viability across technical, commercial, and environmental dimensions. Our insights and recommendations were instrumental in helping the project move one step closer to realisation.
Transforming Vision into a deliverable strategy
The Energy Evolution Hub was designed to unfold in three progressive stages.
- Phase 1: A three metric tonnes per day (MTPD) green ammonia pilot facility, powered by a 10MW grid connection, with integrated water treatment and modular storage systems.
- Phase 2: A scaled-up 20 MTPD green ammonia plant, powered by two 15MW solar PV farms, a battery energy storage system (BESS), and a full-scale reverse osmosis water treatment facility.
- Phase 3: A blue ammonia and urea production facility (260 MTPD and 460 MTPD respectively), supported by a 20-well gas development and a 10 terajoule/day natural gas processing facility, with integrated carbon capture
Solving the Challenges of Scale, Location, and Sustainability
Delivering a feasibility study of this depth in a remote location required more than standard engineering assessments. Our multidisciplinary team leveraged proven vendor data, historical benchmarks, and advanced engineering tools to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of what it would take to bring the Energy Evolution Hub to life.
Key challenges addressed included:
- Ensuring reliable access to renewable electricity and water
- Designing modular hydrogen and ammonia storage and transport systems
- Evaluating environmental and community impacts
- Identifying infrastructure requirements and assessing commercial dynamics
For green ammonia, we assessed the feasibility of solar PV trackers and battery storage powering electrolysis-based hydrogen production.
For blue ammonia, we evaluated autothermal reforming (ATR) using natural gas feedstock, with captured CO₂ redirected to urea production to maximise carbon utilisation and minimise emissions.
To support investment decision-making, we delivered a Class 5 capital cost estimate in accordance with AACE International standards, providing a clear view of potential costs and associated risks.
Enabling Strategic Decisions for a Low-Carbon Future
Our study confirmed the technical feasibility of the EEH’s phased approach. More than just an engineering exercise, it validated that the project aligns with international momentum toward renewable fuels and integrated carbon capture.
The Energy Evolution Hub offers a scalable pathway for combining green and blue hydrogen solutions—supporting Australia’s emissions reduction goals and unlocking new economic opportunities for regional communities.
By providing a rigorous assessment of technical, infrastructure, commercial, and social dimensions, Verbrec equipped Northstar Energy with the knowledge to make informed, confident decisions about the next steps.
Delivering scalable, investment-ready pathways for advancing clean energy projects.
Multi-Phase
Hydrogen-Ammonia
Hub Study
Scalable
3-Stage Clean Energy Strategy
Investment-Ready
Re-risking Early-Stage Projects
- This engagement highlights how robust engineering can support energy developers in de-risking their early-stage ambitions and aligning with broader government and industry decarbonisation goals."