Zinfra has officially signed an Operations and Maintenance contract with Summit Hydrogen Gladstone, a wholly owned company of Sumitomo Corporation, Japan, for its pioneering Hydrogen Production Facility in Yarwun, Queensland strengthening Zinfra's role in Australia’s renewable energy transition and advancing its leadership in hydrogen and gas operations.
Co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Regional Hydrogen Hubs Program funded by the Federal Government, 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, described the project as a strategic milestone for the company.
“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,” said Mr Iancov.
“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.”
As the trusted operations and maintenance partner, 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.
Zinfra's crew made up 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.
Zinfra is proud to work alongside Summit Hydrogen Gladstone and Rio Tinto in making this vision a reality and ensuring the long-term success of this facility.
Pictured: L-R: Seiji Kitajima, Executive Officer, Head of Energy Innovation Initiative, Testuro Anzai, Project Director, Head of Hydrogen Business Unit., Craig Farrugia, General Manager of Zinfra Gas Services with our Managing Director, Peter Ianco
