Zinfra has signed an operations and maintenance contract with Summit Hydrogen Gladstone, a wholly owned company of Sumitomo Corporation, for its pioneering Hydrogen Production Facility in Yarwun, Queensland.
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Co-funded by ARENA and the federal government’s Regional Hydrogen Hubs Program, the Yarwun facility will support the reduction of carbon emissions at Rio Tinto’s Yarwun refinery by incorporating hydrogen into the calcination process—making a world-first trial for industrial hydrogen use.
Zinfra managing director Peter Iancov said, “This is not just about maintaining another facility, it’s about extending our operations and maintenance capability beyond our core customer base and demonstrating our readiness to operate and maintain the energy infrastructure of the future.
“We’ve invested heavily in our people, skilling up for hydrogen and renewables, and this project is a direct result of that commitment.”
“Our work at Jemena’s Western Sydney Green Hydrogen Hub gave us a strong foundation in this space, and we’re proud to now apply that knowledge to support SHG and Rio Tinto on such a globally significant initiative.”
Zinfra will be responsible for ensuring the facility operates safely and efficiently, bringing its expertise in asset management, maintenance, and operations to this groundbreaking initiative.
The trial project will run for several years, providing key insights into the viability of hydrogen use in industrial applications.
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Zinfra’s crew of skilled electrical and instrumentation, and process technicians will begin maintenance and operations of the facility from 3Q of 2025, using local expertise to support the Gladstone local economy.
