In the vast expanses of sun-drenched north-west Australia, one of the most ambitious energy ventures in history is being planned as part of a pipeline of billion-dollar hydrogen projects across the country.

The Asian Renewable Energy Hub is expected to cover 6,500 square kilometres in the Pilbara mining region with solar panels and wind turbines to generate 26 gigawatts of power, an amount equal to one-third of the present capacity of the entire country.

The $30bn project, which will power electrolysers to turn water into “green” hydrogen — made using only renewable energy — and ammonia for export, is one of a series of renewables ventures in Australia estimated by PwC to cost $188bn. The projects are premised on the promise the country can use its plentiful land and sunlight to transform from one of the world’s top coal and gas exporters into a clean energy superpower.