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Northstar Energy engaged Verbrec to deliver a comprehensive pre-feasibility study to assess the project’s viability across technical, commercial and environmental dimensions. The study was designed to help move the project closer to realisation and support informed decision-making around a large-scale low-carbon energy development.
Multi-Phase
Hydrogen-ammonia hub study
Scalable
3-stage clean energy strategy
Investment-Ready
De-risking early-stage projects
Phase 1 proposed a three metric tonnes per day green ammonia pilot facility powered by a 10 MW grid connection, with integrated water treatment and modular storage. Phase 2 expanded to a 20 MTPD green ammonia plant powered by two 15 MW solar PV farms, a battery energy storage system and a full-scale reverse osmosis water treatment facility. Phase 3 introduced a blue ammonia and urea production facility supported by gas development, natural gas processing and integrated carbon capture.
Verbrec’s multidisciplinary team used proven vendor data, historical benchmarks and advanced engineering tools to build an evidence-based understanding of what would be required to bring the Energy Evolution Hub to life. For green ammonia, the study assessed solar PV trackers and battery storage powering electrolysis-based hydrogen production. For blue ammonia, it evaluated autothermal reforming using natural gas feedstock, with captured CO₂ redirected to urea production to maximise carbon utilisation and reduce emissions. The work also included a Class 5 capital cost estimate prepared in accordance with AACE International standards to support investment decision-making.
The study confirmed the technical feasibility of the Energy Evolution Hub’s phased approach and validated its alignment with growing international momentum toward renewable fuels and integrated carbon capture. More broadly, it provided Northstar Energy with a rigorous assessment of the project’s technical, infrastructure, commercial and social dimensions, helping the team make informed and confident decisions about the next steps. The project also outlined a scalable pathway for combining green and blue hydrogen solutions in support of Australia’s emissions reduction goals and regional economic opportunity.
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.