<article><p class="lead">The energy arm of Australian iron ore exporter Fortescue Metals has signed a collaboration agreement with a tribal group in New Zealand to assess the potential of developing a hydrogen project fuelled by renewable energy with first production as early as 2025.</p><p>Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) signed the deal with the Murihiku hapu of Ngai Tahu, with the project in the South Island's Southland province subject to an initial assessment process and an investment decision by Fortescue and the New Zealand authorities.</p><p>Southland has emerged as a potential hydrogen production hub in New Zealand with domestic utilities <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2236611">Meridian Energy and Contact Energy</a> jointly studying the development of a green hydrogen export facility at Southland using electrolysers powered by 600MW of renewable energy. </p><p>Southland is the location of the country's only aluminium smelter, operated by New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, which will <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2176837">continue to operate until the end of 2024</a> after it reached a new electricity agreement with Meridian. </p><p>FFI has announced in recent months a hydrogen venture in <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2239011">India</a>, <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2232532">Brazil</a> and in December announced a joint venture with Japanese energy firm <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2168630">Iwatani and engineering firm Kawasaki Heavy Industries</a> to study a green hydrogen project in Australia, aiming for future exports to Japan.</p><p class="bylines">By Kevin Morrison</p></article>
