Port Pirie's green hydrogen project has been canceled

The $750 million green hydrogen project at the Port Pirie smelter has been canceled by the South Australian government. This project was originally announced in 2021. A government spokesperson explained that the project, run by Trafigura, did not progress significantly. It was never part of the current Labor government's hydrogen plans. The spokesperson pointed out that the project was intended to work with the Nyrstar Port Pirie smelter, which Trafigura owns. In 2021, both the state government and Trafigura pledged $2.5 million for initial engineering work. This was meant to boost investment and create jobs in Port Pirie. However, recent reports indicated that funds meant for the green hydrogen plant were diverted to support the Whyalla steelworks, which is now in administration. Trafigura has not yet responded to requests for comment on the project's cancellation.