Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions by providing a more efficient route for a reaction to occur and making it easier to start and finish. Since catalysts are neither consumed nor altered in the reaction, they can be used repeatedly, and they are essential in a variety of industrial, environmental, and biochemical processes.

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The team, which included researchers from Hokkaido University, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and elsewhere, developed the catalyst, called NiOOH-Ni, by combining nickel (Ni) with nickel oxyhydroxide.

Ammonia can cause severe environmental problems, such as excessive algal growth in water bodies, which depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life. At high concentrations, ammonia can harm humans and wildlife. Effective management and conversion of ammonia are thus critical, but its corrosive nature makes it difficult to handle.

The researchers developed NiOOH-Ni using an electrochemical process. Nickel foam, a porous material, was treated with an electrical current while immersed in a chemical solution. This treatment resulted in the formation of nickel oxyhydroxide particles on the foam’s surface.

Despite their irregular and non-crystalline structure, these nickel-oxygen particles significantly enhance ammonia conversion efficiency. The catalyst’s design allows it to operate effectively at lower voltages and higher currents than traditional catalysts.

“NiOOH-Ni works better than Ni foam, and the reaction pathway depends on the amount of electricity (voltage) used,” explains Professor Zhenguo Huang from the University of Technology Sydney, who led the study.

“At lower voltages, NiOOH-Ni produces nitrite, while at higher voltages, it generates nitrate.”

This means the catalyst can be used in different ways depending on what is needed. For example, it can be used to clean wastewater by converting ammonia into less harmful substances. But in another process, it can also be used to produce hydrogen gas, a clean fuel. This flexibility makes NiOOH-Ni valuable for various applications.

“NiOOH-Ni is impressively durable and stable, and it works well even after being used multiple times,” says Associate Professor Andrey Lyalin from Hokkaido University, who was involved in the study.

Related article: Aussie breakthrough to slash green hydrogen costs by 40%

“This makes it a great alternative to traditional, more expensive catalysts like platinum, which aren’t as effective at converting ammonia.”

The catalyst’s long-term reliability makes it suitable for large-scale industrial use, potentially transforming how industries handle wastewater and produce clean energy.

The study has been published in Advanced Energy Materials.

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Related article: Soil turned at Fortescue’s Arizona Hydrogen project

The company intends to bring its metals and green energy businesses back together after they were separated last year amid an exodus of senior executives.

Fortescue recently announced it would reduce its global workforce and was unlikely to meet 2030 targets for green hydrogen production.

Despite market analysts suggesting Fortescue was slowing down its hydrogen developments, the company said it would initially focus on four green hydrogen projects in Australia, the United States, Norway and Brazil.

Fortescue plans to boost capital expenditures at its energy division to $500 million—up from initial forecasts of $300 million.

Related article: Fortescue to develop green hydrogen, ammonia in Morocco

Shares in Fortescue fell by 2.7%, outpacing smaller losses among other Australian miners, with the price of iron ore dropping below $100/tonne.

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Why hydrogen, and why here?

Hydrogen can be a carrier of energy where you cannot directly electrify or use batteries, whether a matter of time or weight or distance, says Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Simon.

“Australia has incredible renewable energy potential and existing infrastructure to support new export markets. We also have manufacturing opportunities, such as components and assembly for electrolysers.

“The major opportunities are currently in the production of green and clean hydrogen and derivatives such as green ammonia, green metals and sustainable aviation fuel. This will open up opportunities to decarbonise domestically and create new export markets with our strategic trade partners such as Japan and Korea.”

Related article: Aussie breakthrough to slash green hydrogen costs by 40%

Misconceptions and applications

Dr Nikolai Kinaev, leader of CSIRO’s Hydrogen Energy Systems Future Science Platform, says hydrogen is often misunderstood.

“Hydrogen is not a fuel. Fuel is something you burn or use to get more energy from than you use to produce. When you produce hydrogen from electrolysis, you split the water molecule and spend some energy. Unfortunately, due to thermodynamics, you use more energy to produce hydrogen than you get from it. However, with so-called ‘natural’ hydrogen that is formed sub-surface, the energy is kindly donated by geological processes, which means we can see it as ‘free energy’,” he says.

“The other misconception is that hydrogen is a silver bullet. It is simply an important part of an overall, balanced solution.”

Dr Kinaev outlines some of the main applications for hydrogen in Australia’s decarbonisation journey:

Energy storage

Hydrogen can be used as an energy storage medium to balance renewables’ intermittency in the electricity grid. Excess electricity, particularly from wind or solar, can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen can then be stored and converted back to electricity when needed. Hydrogen can also be used as longer-term seasonal energy storage, storing excess energy generated during peak times for use during periods of high demand.

Industrial use

Hydrogen is an excellent feedstock for industrial processes such as the production of ammonia for fertilisers, petroleum refining, and the production of methanol. It can also be used in industries like steel production as a reducing agent to remove oxygen from iron ore, lowering carbon emissions. Hydrogen can also be used to convert biomass or waste into synthetic fuels.

Transportation

Hydrogen is used as a fuel in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), where it reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce electricity, powering the vehicle’s electric motor. FCVs emit only water vapor as a byproduct, making them a zero-emission option. Hydrogen can also be used directly or blended with traditional fuels in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Power generation

Hydrogen can be used in combined heat and power (CHP) systems to generate both electricity and heat for industrial and residential applications. It can also be burned in gas turbines for power generation during peak demand periods.

Commercialisation challenges

Launched in 2021, CSIRO’s Hydrogen Industry Mission focuses on leveraging the national science agency’s hydrogen research capabilities in partnership with government, industry and the research community.

“When it comes to commercial viability, the challenge is to have a project that is good science and relevant to the industry,” Dr Kinaev explains, noting that most of the hydrogen technologies we need are already available.

“If we wanted to switch our hydrogen industry on tomorrow, we could. It wouldn’t be efficient or cost-effective, but it could be done,” he says.

“A key factor is supply and demand. Users won’t invest heavily in hydrogen use applications unless they are sure there is a demand for it.

“Secondly, you need the infrastructure for production, storage, transport, etc. Green hydrogen depends on renewables. We need to look at a storage and distribution network suitable for hybrid large-scale production. Then, we need to identify where is the technology gap for use of hydrogen at smaller scales.”

“Thirdly, little will progress unless we have good social acceptance. We need social surveys carried out by social scientists who provide expertise through advance maths to gauge social acceptance.”

Innovation and opportunity

Hydrogen provides an opportunity for moving manufacturing back to Australia on a new technology level that is environmentally friendly,” Dr Kinaev explains.

“It provides an opportunity to bring sovereign industry back to Australia through which we can generate wealth, not just from the resources but also from the products. Australia has a good chance to become a supplier of technologies and critical parts for hydrogen-related technologies as well.”

Dr Kinaev also points to Australia’s development of hydrogen hubs as “world-class models” for industry.

“Because we have various types of hydrogen producers, handlers and users, it is important to have a compact area where all these stakeholders can learn what type of infrastructure they need, how to interact with each other and work on the synergy required. Hubs are not just centrepieces but ecosystems; a small model for a much larger industry.

Australian companies are also responsible for a number of breakthroughs in electrolysis, with Hysata and CSIRO spin-offs Hadean Energy and Endua demonstrating world standards in terms of the efficiency. Sparc Hydrogen and its university partners have developed breakthroughs in photocatalytic water splitting, which provides an alternate method of producing renewable green hydrogen.

Universities and CSIRO are both working in this area, with CSIRO looking at the manufacture of scalable options.

Accelerating Aussie hydrogen

Asked about the policies and initiatives required to keep Australia at the forefront of the global hydrogen market, Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Simon says the Federal Budget measures announced by the Australian Government in May were “an important step in the right direction”.

“However, steps need to be taken quickly to ensure there is clear policy to get major hydrogen projects for the 2030s and 2040s to a final investment decision. Incentives are absolutely vital. The public interest is in decarbonisation, and without very strong economy-wide price signals to value carbon—and even with them—we need to look at incentives from government to help bridge the gap,” she says.

“We expect more to be addressed in the refreshed National Hydrogen Strategy, which is to be released this year.”

Hysata CEO Dr Paul Barrett says Australia must ensure cohesion with trading partners to facilitate global trade of hydrogen and its derivatives.

“Trade agreements with our allies, with the goal of securing offtake of Australian-produced hydrogen or derivatives, notably green iron, can help projects reach final investment decision,” he explains.

“Australia will also see a large demand for electrolysers, and other equipment and materials that are needed across the green hydrogen supply chain. Hysata would like to see strong domestic content requirements across Hydrogen Headstart and the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive program in line with what we are witnessing in the EU and US. It is important for Australia to build self-reliance in the green hydrogen industry to accelerate its scaling.

“Hysata would also like to see the federal and state governments establish green iron as a priority industry for the country and support its development and export. Iron is of critical national importance to the Australian economy and global industry, estimated at approximately AU$135 billion in domestic export earnings for the most recent financial year. Converting it to green iron has the potential to increase our export earnings from iron ore five times. South Australia is moving ahead with its green iron strategy, and we would like to see other governments follow.”

Related article: Findings shared from Australia’s first hydrogen microgrid

Did you know?

It is estimated the clean hydrogen industry will support 16,000 jobs by 2050, plus an additional 13,000 from the construction of related renewable energy infrastructure. Australian hydrogen production for export and domestic use could generate more than $50 billion in additional GDP by 2050, and result in avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to a third of Australia’s current fossil fuel emissions by 2050.

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The announcement is backed by CIC’s development, in partnership with GE Vernova, of self-contained modules that produce zero-carbon hydrogen.

Compared to traditional renewable hydrogen production, which typically sources vast quantities of water from piped water sources and grid electricity, CIC’s modular hydrogen production units are designed to operate entirely off-grid, reducing demand on governments and communities to fund supporting infrastructure.

Related article: Findings shared from Australia’s first hydrogen microgrid

Each module contains solar panels, atmospheric water generators, electrolysers and supporting infrastructure to produce hydrogen as an individual standalone unit. Crucially, the use of atmospheric water allows hydrogen to be produced anywhere where solar radiation is abundant, opening up new locations in central Australia as potential renewable fuel hubs.

CIC chair and co-founder David Green said the approach would unlock inland hydrogen production opportunities in solar-rich locations such as the Northern Territory and South Australia.

“Renewable hydrogen production requires a significant amount of energy and water, which aren’t often found together in places like Australia,” he said.

“Rather than repeating the same approach, we’re looking to solve this challenge by creating modules that use Australia’s abundant solar resources, combined with proven atmospheric water generation technology.

“It’s an approach that solves one of the biggest challenges Australia has faced in becoming a renewable hydrogen superpower, and we’re excited to be bringing it to market first in Australia.”

CIC recently announced its partnership with GE Vernova, which will see the two companies work together to maximise the efficiency of the hydrogen production modules. The company has now secured offtake buyers for enough Australian-produced renewable hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives to support the development of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects in Australia.

CIC’s 10GW projects would be by far the largest renewable hydrogen projects developed in Australia to date.

With the first test modules expected to be producing hydrogen in the Northern Territory or South Australia as soon as later this year, Green also called on Australian governments to embrace the opportunity ahead of them.

Related article: Hydrogen heads meet in nation’s capital to discuss priorities

“We need Australian governments to lean in if we want Australia to lead in this technology instead of being of it being used in other countries first,” he said.

“We’re speaking to leaders in Adelaide and Darwin about renewable hydrogen projects in their states and territories, as well as component manufacturing, that will provide ongoing jobs for hundreds of people while producing zero-carbon fuels.

“Government support on permitting, streamlining approvals process, and ensuring suitable sites are available would accelerate this investment significantly.”

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Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said, “Demolition works will allow ABEL Energy to commence construction of its Bell Bay Powerfuels green hydrogen and methanol project.

Related article: Tasmanian Green Hydrogen Hub gets $70M funding boost

“Green hydrogen is a critical enabler in Australia’s energy transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“Today is a symbolic milestone in Tasmania’s renewable energy journey, removing the old thermal power station to make way for the future of renewable energy, green hydrogen production.”

Bell Bay Powerfuels is a green methanol production facility located in Bell Bay, Tasmania. The project aims sustainably produce 300,000 tonnes of green methanol to be used as an alternative fuel for hard to abate sectors such as shipping or aviation.

The project will complement and expand the renewable resources of Tasmania, including world-leading low-emissions renewable power and harvest residues from certified forestry plantations, to produce net-zero methanol.

Related article: Aussie breakthrough to slash green hydrogen costs by 40%

“The Bell Bay Powerfuels Project is the most advanced export-scale green hydrogen project in Tasmania and it’s an exciting day to see the project progress, demonstrating commitment in Tasmania to our shared renewable energy future,” Duigan said.

“I am confident that these developments will underpin the development of a world class green hydrogen industry in the state.”

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Related article: ZEN proposes 1GW Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project

The partnership leverages the strengths of ZEN in procuring, trading, and marketing 100% renewable electricity, DGA in the design and delivery of hydrogen plants, and Mitsubishi in trading and investment activities across a wide range of industrial value chains.

DGA Energy Solutions Australia was founded in 2023 and is responsible for the development of, and investment in, Mitsubishi’s renewable energy, green hydrogen, and green ammonia projects in the Oceania region.

ZEN supplies renewable electricity to a portfolio of government and business customers across Australia, sourced from a generation portfolio comprising solar, battery storage and pumped hydro projects across Australia.

ZEN Energy CEO Anthony Garnaut said, “This partnership will accelerate Australia’s journey to becoming a renewable energy superpower.

“Australia is now the leading supplier of energy and minerals to Japan. If we are to retain this position in 2050, we need to create new, sustainable ways of producing versions of the products we currently sell to Japan.

“We cannot do this alone. It requires partnerships with organisations like DGA and MC, who share our vision, and are willing to invest the needed effort and leverage their networks to help create new value chains.

Related article: ZEN secures funds to start Templers Battery in SA

“DGA will join with other key partners who are committed to realising the superpower opportunity, including select state and local governments, energy infrastructure owners, and providers of the industrial services needed to build new value chains.”

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Hysata is developing new high-efficiency electrolysers that aim to produce green hydrogen at scale with higher energy efficiency and lower costs than alternative technologies. The company’s technology combines engineering and science in a unique capillary-fed alkaline electrolyser that uses less energy to convert water to hydrogen.

Related article: Aussie breakthrough to slash green hydrogen costs by 40%

The investment round—the largest Series B by an Australian cleantech—had strong backing from existing major strategic and financial investors IP Group Australia, Kiko Ventures (IP Group plc’s cleantech platform), Virescent Ventures on behalf of Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Hostplus, Vestas Ventures and BlueScopeX.

The company also welcomed new major strategic and financial investors POSCO Holdings, POSCO E&C, IMM Investment Hong Kong, Shinhan Financial Group, Twin Towers Ventures, Oman Investment Authority’s VC arm IDO and TelstraSuper.

Hysata will use the funding to expand production capacity at its iconic beachside manufacturing facility in Wollongong, New South Wales and further develop its technology as it focuses on reaching gigawatt scale manufacturing.

Hysata CEO Paul Barrett said, “Our mission at Hysata is to accelerate the deep decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemical manufacture, and heavy transport, by delivering the world’s most efficient, simple, and reliable electrolysers. With high-efficiency, intrinsically low capex and a mass-manufacturable design, Hysata aims to drive down the levelised cost of hydrogen.

“This funding round, backed by a world-class syndicate of investors, demonstrates the game changing impact Hysata is having on the green hydrogen landscape. It will strengthen our team and enhance our capabilities, as we propel towards widespread commercial availability.

“I am thrilled to have bp Ventures, Templewater and other new investors join ranks with our incredible existing shareholder base. Hysata’s technology is a breakthrough innovation because of its high efficiency and low installed costs. We look forward to working with our shareholders, customers and partners as we continue our scale up journey.”

Related article: Hysata granted $20.9m for electrolyser commercialisation

bp Ventures vice president Gareth Burns added, “We know that green hydrogen can play a big role in decarbonisation. This is the first advanced alkaline electrolyser technology that bp Ventures has invested in. It could provide optionality for our hydrogen business as bp aims to become a global leader in low carbon hydrogen production.

“Hysata’s technology could help save energy and reduce production costs, addressing two challenges of the green hydrogen market. We’re excited for Hysata’s next steps.”

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By harnessing the ultra-efficient electrolysers developed by Australian renewable energy manufacturer Hysata, Sunshine Hydro’s Superhybrid technology is now capable of delivering clean hydrogen up to 40% cheaper than previously achievable.

Related article: UN climate official tours Hysata electrolyser facility

Hysata’s proprietary electrolysis technology optimises energy consumption, reducing the power needed per kilogram of hydrogen produced by 20%. This breakthrough process raises the bar for the entire sector, ensuring a sustainable and more efficient production pathway.

Sunshine Hydro has separately developed ways of better utilising fast-acting electrolysers, including those developed by Hysata. The Sunshine Hydro technology supports the smooth operation of pumped hydro systems, balancing generation profiles and driving down hydrogen production costs by up to 20%, depending on seasonal patterns.

Achieving 24/7 carbon-free electricity requires the application of pumped hydro energy storage as part of the mix. To provide grids with round-the-clock and seasonal energy to power data centres, industry, and other power-demanding applications, a hydrogen electrolyser can be matched with pumped hydro turbines in such a way that they support the variable load even though needed using renewable energy sources.

Six years of extensive research at Sunshine Hydro reveal the indispensable role of hydrogen electrolysers in supplying continuous, carbon-free electricity. Importantly, the solution is designed to respond flexibly to energy market conditions. During peak periods when prices surge, energy can be temporarily redirected from hydrogen production to meet market demand.

Sunshine Hydro’s innovative approach yields up to a 20% reduction in hydrogen production costs. Coupled with Hysata’s efficient electrolysers, cumulative cost reductions reach up to 40%.

Related article: Sunshine Hydro wins Queensland Telstra Business Award

By pairing these advancements with clean energy generation, these two Australian innovations are poised to transform its energy landscape and play a crucial role in the nation’s green energy and industry independence.

Sunshine Hydro CEO Rick McElhinney said, “This will be pivotal in positioning Australia as a green energy superpower.”

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Related article: Fortescue to develop green hydrogen, ammonia in Morocco

At the 158-acre facility site, Fortescue executive chair and founder Dr Andrew Forrest AO said, “The US has made serious strides in attracting global investment in green hydrogen and decarbonisation projects, like Fortescue’s solar and wind-powered Arizona Hydrogen facility. Fortescue is unashamedly a first-mover in this space. The world needs us to move quickly,” Dr Forrest said.

“But, we need to be encouraged to that, not punished. There are rules right now under consideration with the Biden Administration that would make already announced projects like this one dramatically more expensive and smaller, resulting in fewer economic opportunities and slower progress on decarbonisation.

“I support the Biden Administration’s goal to produce hydrogen in a way that prioritizes sustainability, however 45V, in its current form, is a straitjacket on the industry and works against the Biden Administration’s own climate goals.”

Arizona Hydrogen is slated to produce up to 11,000 tons of liquid green hydrogen annually and is strategically positioned to significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty on-road transportation sector. The southwest market consumes approximately 5 billion gallons of diesel annually in heavy-duty transport, making PHH a vital player for reducing emissions in the mobility sector.

“Buckeye is happy to welcome Arizona Hydrogen to the Sustainable Valley,” Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn said.

Related article: Fortescue’s green hydrogen gigafactory opens in Gladstone

“Fortescue’s investment in our community helps Buckeye, and the entire state of Arizona, continue to grow efficiently and sustainably for generations to come.”

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Related article: H2 Council advances hydrogen collaboration with Japan

The AusHETs project (awarded to AHC’s registered business: Hydrogen Mobility Australia) has received $920,000 over two years, and will provide specialised advice and support to startups and small and medium businesses participating in the Industry Growth Program.

This will focus on growing Australia’s Hydrogen Equipment, Technology & Services (HETS) sector, through the development of new technologies and enabling SMEs to transition from existing industries into hydrogen.

Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Simon said, “The Australian Hydrogen Council is proud to be a partner in the Industry Growth Program, and delivering the AusHETS project to support new technology, innovation and business approaches required for hydrogen, its derivatives and the broader supply chain in Australia.

“This grant support will enable us to assist referred SMEs in the renewables and low emission technologies sector with specialised advisory services using a range of initiatives including access to facilities, equipment, technical support, expertise, specialised programs and events.

“The growing hydrogen industry needs investment in technology and capacity building, and we are grateful that the Australian Government has recognised this as part of the Industry Growth Program. Our aim is to strengthen our understanding of Australia’s economic complexity and grow our capacity to manufacture key components in an industry that is guaranteed to grow globally.”

Related article: H2 Council reveals refreshed national hydrogen strategy

The AusHETS project will deliver key activities for the Industry Growth Program, including bespoke coaching, commercialisation and growth workshops; tailored industry engagement including webinars, investor roundtables and events; access to facilities; and development of case studies.

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The partnership includes the potential development of manufacturing facilities and an R&D hub to advance the rapidly growing renewable energy industry in Morocco.

Related article: Fortescue’s green hydrogen gigafactory opens in Gladstone

Fortescue and OCP Group have proposed plans for four cornerstone projects in Morocco:

1. Large-scale integrated green ammonia and green fertiliser production capacity, including renewables, energy generation, electrolysis, ammonification and fertiliser production;
2. Manufacturing of green technology and equipment;
3. An R&D and Technology Hub, located alongside Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) near Marrakech, to bolster the JV, the ecosystem and other players, with research in renewable energy, green hydrogen and minerals processing; and
4. Collaboration of corporate venture capital funds to drive investment in key technology advancements.

The partners’ objective is to supply green hydrogen and ammonia for use both as sources of green energy and in the manufacture of carbon-neutral and customised fertilisers that are accessible and affordable for farmers around the world.

OCP Group chairman and CEO Mostafa Terrab said, “Our strategic partnership with Fortescue is a testimony to our joint commitment to decarbonisation, driving the development of cutting-edge facilities and delivering competitive renewable energy, products and technology. This is a key step towards fulfilling our vision of simultaneously ensuring global food security and combating climate change.”

Fortescue executive chair and founder Dr Andrew Forrest AO said, “Together, Fortescue and OCP will build a world-leading and globally competitive platform to accompany Morocco’s journey into a green energy production, manufacturing, and industrial powerhouse.

“Together, we will be a key originator and green corridor into Europe and to and from the Atlantic basin.

“Morocco will be a major player in the global energy transition given it is home to some of the world’s most prospective wind and solar resources, two large coastlines, and is in close proximity to Europe and the Americas.

Related article: Fortescue approves $1.1b investment for new projects

“We are proud to partner with OCP, a global industrial leader, with a shared ambitious commitment to invest in renewable energy, products and technology to reduce global emissions.”

The venture is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

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Related article: Fortescue approves $1.1b investment for new projects

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic attended the launch of the new Fortescue hydrogen electrolyser facility alongside Queensland Premier Steven Miles.

The facility will produce green hydrogen at an industrial scale using a fully automated production line and several cleanroom robotic assembly cells and lines, strengthening the nation’s manufacturing capability.

Fortescue’s industrial-scale 50MW green hydrogen production plant will use Fortescue’s Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen production system.

It is located adjacent to Fortescue’s existing electrolyser facility and produce up to 8,200 tonnes of green hydrogen per annum from 2025.

The Queensland Government supported the project by investing $44.9 million in Fortescue Future Industries to construct its electrolyser manufacturing facility.

Project partners include research institutions CSIRO and Central Queensland University.

The Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science said, “This demonstrates our commitment to a Future Made in Australia, while also helping the country make the transition to net zero.

“We can cut emissions and increase jobs at the same time. Regional Queensland can play an important role here, and we are investing in its ability to do just that.

Related article: Fortescue invests in Norwegian green hydrogen firm

“This Hydrogen Gigafactory shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together for the long-term good of the country.”

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Related article: Gupta announces phase out of coal-based steel at Whyalla

Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said the MoU to supply abated natural gas was aimed at assisting the GFG Alliance in its decarbonisation pathway as it transitions to a Direct Reduction Plant (DRP) in Whyalla that can process local magnetite ore to produce low-carbon iron. The DRP will initially use a mix of natural gas and green hydrogen as the reducing agent, with the aim of fully transitioning to green hydrogen as it becomes available at scale.

The MoU includes a joint pre-feasibility study of CCS opportunities aimed at abating emissions from the Whyalla iron and steel works. This could see GFG Alliance become the first domestic third-party customer for Santos’ flagship carbon capture and storage project at Moomba.

Gallagher said, “We’ve been a gas supplier to Whyalla for many years and we’re pleased to be working with GFG on its green steel journey. We’re seeing strong interest in abated natural gas domestically and internationally. This MoU is great news for the Upper Spencer Gulf and South Australia because industries like the Whyalla steel works rely on affordable energy combined with decarbonisation to grow into the future—keeping jobs, skills and business opportunities here in the region to support vibrant local communities for decades to come.”

Related article: ARENA invests $50m in green hydrogen and steel research

GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta said, “I am very pleased to be working with a strong partner in Santos on natural gas supply for our operations, necessary for the transition to hydrogen. Furthermore, we are happy to support and applaud the pursuit of Santos’s carbon capture and storage ambitions which could play a significant role in reducing residual emissions from our steelworks.”

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Related article: Tasmanian Green Hydrogen Hub gets $70M funding boost

The proposed Devonport facility aims to provide an end-to-end green hydrogen solution for emissions reduction across Tasmania.

The site is in an optimal location with close proximity to TasNetworks substations for grid connection and transport hubs offering various offtake opportunities, and the 12-month option attached to the site allows the company time to complete the development approval process under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme.

Securing an option over the site represents a further milestone in the development of Countrywide’s flagship Tasmanian Hydrogen HyWay project, as it continues to work towards a final investment decision, now expected during the first half of 2024.

The site is planned to form one of the initial locations of the flagship Tasmanian Hydrogen HyWay project and provide hydrogen fuelling from north to south of Tasmania, with a Launceston facility planned to follow within 12-24 months of commissioning the Wesley Vale, and the imminent Brighton facilities.

Countrywide managing director Geoff Drucker said, “Our Hydrogen HyWay program leads the way nationally with its aim to produce green hydrogen and deliver a statewide network of refuelling stations to meet the needs of offtakers, which also means Tasmania is showing the way for the rest of Australia to reduce the offensive impact of emissions from road transport.”

Related article: Edify gets $48M funding for Townsville Green Hydrogen Hub

The 0.67ha Devonport site is in an optimal location due to its close proximity to the two ports of Burnie and Devonport, the rail network and an existing freight quarantine facility. The site provides sufficient scale for the proposed initial project parameters with additional onsite space for potential future expansion. The Wesley Vale substation is within 500m of the proposed hydrogen production facility with an underground transmission connection proposed.

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