FFI looks to repurpose US coal plant for hydrogen

Firm says plant would enable the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors and support the development of a green hydrogen hub

Australia’s Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has announced a plan to look into repurposing a coal plant for green hydrogen production in the US state of Washington. FFI says the green hydrogen production plant would enable the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors of the economy and support the development of a Pacific Northwest green hydrogen hub—potentially creating hundreds of local jobs. The Centralia facility—Washington state’s only coal-fired plant—is adjacent to the proposed green hydrogen site and is scheduled to close in 2025. The nearby coal mine is also being shut down. FFI hopes to employ existing coal workers, easing the transition for the local economy. Retraining workers f