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.

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“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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The MoU between Solarig and Jemena focuses first on the development of hydrogen production and blending facilities in regional New South Wales, which will initially inject up to 35Tj of renewable hydrogen per year into Jemena’s New South Wales gas distribution network.

If successful, both parties will work to further develop additional renewable hydrogen initiatives helping to build Australia’s renewable hydrogen market, and positioning NSW as a prominent national and international hub.

Jemena will undertake feasibility assessments for renewable hydrogen to be blended into the network so it can be used by homes, businesses, and industrial customers downstream of the injection site.

Jemena managing director David Gillespie said, “Australia is right in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to decarbonise our energy sector. But we know there is not one silver bullet that is going to help us reach our emission reduction targets.

“We are going to need a mix of renewable energy fuels to ensure Australia can reach net zero, while still delivering safe and reliable energy. Forming these types of relationships is essential to developing a robust renewable gas sector.”

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The Solarig project in regional NSW is one of the first commercial renewable hydrogen facilities proposed for connection to the Jemena network and, subject to meeting the pre-feasibility requirements, will be one of the first commercial renewable hydrogen blending projects in Australia.

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The largest investment in an Australian renewable hydrogen project to date, CQ-H2 will initially include up to 640MW of electrolysers and produce up to 200 tonnes per day of renewable hydrogen, with offtakers purchasing the gas to convert to renewable ammonia or liquified hydrogen.

Related article: Queensland previews future Stanwell Clean Energy Hub

As Queensland’s largest renewable hydrogen project, the project aims to deliver renewable hydrogen via its different carriers, to Japan and Singapore, as well as supplying large domestic customers in Central Queensland.

“We are proud to be supporting this world-scale project within the Gladstone region where Worley have remained invested through our local operation for the last 25 years. The Central Queensland Hydrogen Project is a landmark project, set to propel Stanwell’s operations, the Gladstone region and Queensland as a whole into a leading exporter of green energy,” Worley president of ANZ Gillian Cagney said.

Worley worked on the project in the role of technical advisor during the initial feasibility study and is now scoped to provide the FEED study for the Hydrogen Production Facility (HPF) and Hydrogen Transfer Facility (HTF), along with the pre-FEED study for the Hydrogen Liquefaction Facility (HLF).

Cagney said, “We will be bringing together our local and global hydrogen technical expertise along with our breadth of services, spanning multi-discipline engineering, ports and infrastructure capability, sustainability and environmental services and our in-house construction and commissioning expertise.

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“Our work with Stanwell to date demonstrates our unique ability to support projects right from early concept studies into front end design, and we are looking to continue that support post-FID into the execution stage.”

Commercial operations are expected to start in 2028. If successful, the project will ramp up in future phases to full-scale operation of approximately 2,240MW electrolysers producing 800 tonnes per day of gaseous renewable hydrogen by 2031.

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Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps announced a new joint initiative at a Green Hydrogen Roundtable during the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and 8th Mission Innovation Meeting in Goa, India.

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Both countries will provide funding for Australian and British companies to work together on research, development or demonstration projects on renewable hydrogen.

The new arrangement is part of a broader push by the Australian Government to work with like-minded countries to build supply chains, enhance investment and shape global markets for clean energy technologies.

The agreement will build on a clean energy partnership between Australia and the UK developed in 2021. It will focus on renewable hydrogen and its applications to decarbonise industry and transport. International collaboration is essential in helping to achieve our hydrogen ambitions with the required urgency and deliver a net zero transition for both economies.

The program will be launched in October 2023.

Australia recently joined 14 countries, including Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom, in a new forum to improve the market for importing and exporting green hydrogen across the world.

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The new International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF) will bring countries together to work through issues and build productive conditions for a reliable international hydrogen trade market.

Green hydrogen, which is hydrogen made from renewable energy including wind and solar, will play an important role in global energy supply and storage as countries work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy.

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The $5 million Front End Engineering Design study for the Port Pirie Green Hydrogen Project, jointly funded by Trafigura and the South Australian State Government, will commence immediately, with a final investment decision to be made by the end of 2022. If approved, construction will commence in 2023.  

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At an estimated design and construction cost of $750 million, if approved, the project is to be developed in a phased manner, initially producing 20 tonnes per day (tpd) of green hydrogen for export in the form of green ammonia. The full-scale plant will produce 100tpd of green hydrogen at full capacity from a 440MW electrolyser, enabling it to meet both export and domestic supply needs. The oxygen created in the production of hydrogen will be utilised by the Nyrstar Port Pirie smelter.

The project is planned to be integrated into Nyrstar Australia’s metals recovery smelter at Port Pirie, using existing infrastructure to accelerate production of green hydrogen compared to developing a project on a new greenfield site. The project will form the cornerstone of a new green hydrogen precinct in Port Pirie that will benefit local businesses and support the decarbonisation of transport and industry.

Trafigura will source 100 per cent renewable energy to provide the electricity needed to run the project’s electrolyser, which will also contribute to decarbonising the existing smelter’s power supply. 

Trafigura Australia general manager Tim Rogers said the company was increasing its global presence in the fast-evolving renewable energy sector, and that the Project created a unique opportunity for the Spencer Gulf to participate in the growth of a new energy industry, creating the next generation of jobs for local communities.

“We are encouraged by governments’ support of the hydrogen industry. With both state and federal government support, the Port Pirie Green Hydrogen Project has the potential to be a catalyst for new jobs and economic growth in the region, creating opportunities for existing local businesses to become part of the supply chain, attracting new talent, and encouraging new companies and industries to establish a local presence,” he said. 

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“We are expecting significant early interest in becoming a part of the green hydrogen precinct with early potential for the region’s heavy vehicle transport industry to investigate hydrogen refuelling options. In time, it is also expected that Trafigura will be working with mining and other energy-intensive industries across the state to explore the opportunities the precinct creates for them to decarbonise through the use of green hydrogen.”

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The catalyst for activities is the ACT Government’s 2020 announcement to ramp up green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energy, to help meet its target of net zero emissions by 2045.

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The ACT has already established several renewable hydrogen projects that deliver on its commitment, including:

• a test facility for examining how hydrogen could be used to help decarbonise the local gas network
• a hydrogen refuelling station to help deliver on the ACT Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy, and
• the ACT Renewable Hydrogen Cluster.

Evo Energy, the Smart Energy Council, the ACT Renewables Hub, and the Australian National University have been funded by NERA (National Energy Resources Australia) to establish the Renewable Hydrogen Cluster.

The ACT Renewables Hub, funded by the ACT Government and managed by the Smart Energy Council, is a strong supporter of the sector and remains pivotal to local developments.

In keeping  with  its  mission to broadcast  important  milestones  and link experts  and stakeholders,  the  ACT Renewables Hub recently hosted the webinar ‘Supercharging Hydrogen with Renewables’.

Presenters,  including Megan Ward from Neoen, outlined how they were leading developments in a series of renewable hydrogen projects in and around the ACT.

Fiona Beck from the ANU discussed the emissions implications of different hydrogen production technologies and how best to deploy the solutions.

Hydrogen Australia’s Max Hewitt outlined the use cases for renewable hydrogen and outlined the likely path within the ACT and Australia.

The session  was rounded  out  with  a short  seminar  on some  of the  tax incentives  available  to  renewable businesses in the ACT, presented by Nexia.

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The webinar is a good example of how the ACT Renewables Hub is actively engaging with the renewables sector and boosting innovative initiatives within both the public and private sectors of the ACT.

“All our efforts are focused on maintaining an industry-friendly platform that  facilitates synergies and drives collaboration while supporting the territory’s trailblazing role in decarbonising energy systems,” Hub manager Alethia Barceinas said.

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Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan was on site today to turn the first sod on the project, which will generate enough renewable hydrogen to power 100 residential homes and help decarbonise the future of the electricity supply chain. 

Horizon Power will install a 704-kilowatt (kW) solar farm, 348kW hydrogen electrolyser and a 100kW fuel cell in Denham, enabling excess renewable energy to be used to produce renewable hydrogen which will be stored on site and used to power homes as required.

It is the first time in Australia that a renewable hydrogen powered remote microgrid will be used in the community, with Denham chosen due to its proximity to wind and solar resources and land availability.

Site works on the solar farm begin today, with construction of the hydrogen power plant due to start in August and the project commissioned and operational by early 2022.

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The McGowan Government has invested $5.7 million into the project, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has invested $2.6 million as part of ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program.

WA Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan said, “Western Australia has an extraordinary opportunity to become a leader in the emerging renewable hydrogen industry and the McGowan Government is on the front foot in taking advantage of this opportunity.

“The demonstration project in Denham is leading the rollout of hydrogen plants in community-based remote microgrids and has the potential to be implemented across the State to benefit a wide range of small towns and communities.

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“Investing in renewable hydrogen sends a clear message to the industry that we are serious about Western Australia being powered by clean energy.”

Energy Minister Bill Johnston said, “The Denham project will keep Horizon Power at the leading edge of new technologies as we work towards the McGowan Government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“The plant will extend WA’s knowledge of hydrogen systems and allow Horizon Power to consider implementing microgrids and hydrogen technology into other regional areas.”

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In September 2020, the McGowan Government issued a global call for EOIs to unlock the Oakajee SIA’s potential for renewable hydrogen production and export.

EOIs were submitted from Australia, Japan, Korea, India, Germany, Spain, the UK, France and the United States, demonstrating strong international interest in the renewable hydrogen potential of the Mid-West region.

Of the submissions, 16 per cent of parties indicated interest in developing and financing an entire supply chain that encompasses Oakajee as a strategic hub for the production and export of renewable hydrogen.

Other parties expressed interest in supplying sections of the supply chain including technology, key water and power utilities, manufacturing key components or financing this emerging industry.

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At least 10 of the respondents could be classed as ‘super majors’, each having a global reach and market capitalisations in the $10s or $100s of billions.

EOIs will be formally considered by the State Government via the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation working closely with the Mid West Development Commission, Mid West Ports Authority and DevelopmentWA, which owns the Oakajee land.

The EOI follows the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy goals being brought forward from 2040 to 2030, with the McGowan Government investing $28 million in the development of the renewable hydrogen sector in the State.

Located 23 kilometres north of Geraldton, Oakajee SIA is recognised for its world-class wind and solar energy potential, which is ideal for the production of renewable hydrogen for domestic and commercial use, advanced manufacturing and export.

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Initial assessments show Oakajee SIA could provide up to 270 megawatts of wind generation and 1,250 megawatts of solar renewable energy. Supported by gas firming, the estimated cost of generating electricity from the area will be competitive at below $0.10 per kilowatt-hour.

Oakajee SIA is connected to the State’s major road network and existing Geraldton Port via the North West Coastal Highway, and provisions are in place for the area to be linked into WA’s gas network.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said, “The strong response to the Oakajee EOI process confirmed what we already knew about the strong global appetite for renewable hydrogen, and the enormous potential of the Mid-West region.

“Global economies are hungry for clean, renewable energy, and we have the perfect mix of wind and solar potential that is the envy of the world right here in WA.

“We look forward to working with the companies that expressed interest in this opportunity to bring the production of renewable hydrogen to Western Australia.”

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The partnership between the government-owned generator Stanwell and Japanese energy company Iwatani Corporation would see planning progressed on a new export facility in Gladstone.

“Demand for renewable hydrogen out of Japan is growing rapidly,” the Premier said.

“It was just over two years ago when I met with key businesses and academics in Japan to talk about the potential to export Queensland’s sunshine in the form of renewable hydrogen energy.

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“Following those meetings Queensland moved ahead of the Federal Government to release a Hydrogen Industry Strategy in May last year.  

“If we can position Queensland as a key exporter of this resource, Queensland will be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. 

“To do that, we must partner with Japanese energy suppliers–and when it comes to hydrogen, they don’t come any larger than Iwatani. 

“Hydrogen is the future. We’re investing in this sector because we know the great potential this industry has to drive Queensland’s economic recovery in years to come.”

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Japan has committed to reducing its net emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by 2050. It plans to achieve this by becoming a ‘hydrogen society’.

Newly-appointed Minister for Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the partnership with Iwatani was evidence of Queensland’s commitment to rapidly developing its potential as a green hydrogen exporter.

“The Premier has given me a mandate to do everything we can to grow this industry, and put Queensland workers front and centre in this,” the Minister said.  

“We’ll continue to partner with the world’s leading energy companies, including our own, to develop this exciting new industry in Queensland.”

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The joint feasability study will span production, storage, transport and use of renewable hydrogen. It will also assess current technology and research, and identify barriers for the development of a hydrogen industry.

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Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham have signed a joint declaration of intent with Germany’s Minister for Education and Research Anja Karliczek to carry out the study.

The Australian Government is calling for an Australian research and industry consortium to partner with German industry on the study. Applications are open on the GrantConnect website.

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Australia released its National Hydrogen Strategy in November 2019, setting a vision to establish a globally competitive hydrogen industry by 2030. Germany released its National Hydrogen Strategy in June 2020.

Both countries are developping renewable hydrogen as a clean source of energy with the potential to lower carbon emissions.

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Part of the WA Recovery Plan, the accelerated targets and nine studies and projects will boost the state’s renewable hydrogen industry and position WA as a major producer, user and exporter of renewable hydrogen.

The McGowan Government’s investment, increased business interest and pace of technology development means the goals of the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy are being bought forward from 2040 to 2030.

The strategy aims to boost the State’s hydrogen industry across four areas: export, use in remotely located industries, blending in natural gas networks, and use in fuel cell electric transport vehicles.

The McGowan Government has committed $5.7 million to an Australia-first renewable energy microgrid in the Gascoyne town of Denham, using a new solar power system to produce hydrogen from water.

The demonstrator microgrid will test the technology and feasibility of implementing microgrids incorporating hydrogen in regional areas across the state.

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The State Government is committed to supporting the Denham project, subject to ARENA’s final consideration.   

Another $2 million has been allocated to FMG H2’s renewable hydrogen mobility project in the Pilbara, which will produce solar hydrogen for transport at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek iron ore mine, advancing vital decarbonisation technologies.

Fortescue plans to purchase 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to replace its diesel bus fleet, and the lessons learnt from this project will support their plans to reduce reliance on imported diesel across a range of transport forms.

Another $1 million will be allocated by the McGowan Government towards ATCO’s hydrogen refueller project in Jandakot that will develop, deploy and operate the first green hydrogen refuelling station in WA.

The station will integrate with ATCO’s existing Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Jandakot, and service ATCO’s fleet of fuel cell electric cars and approved vehicles of other organisations.

The Jandakot H2-Fuel project is a key enabler to driving down the costs of refuelling infrastructure, and an opportunity to build the local skills and labour force required to support the industry.

Over time, the hydrogen refueller project could be expanded to target over 1,000 fuel cell electric vehicles in metropolitan Perth.

An additional $5 million in funding will be allocated to the State Government’s existing $10 million Renewable Hydrogen Fund for grants to support industry development.

Other initiatives in the WA Recovery Plan to boost the hydrogen industry include:

• $3 million for a regulatory reform package to undertake and support a local hydrogen industry;
• $2.7 million to expand the Renewable Hydrogen Unit in the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation;
• $1 million towards identifying locations suitable for hydrogen storage;
• $1 million towards developing a detailed supply chain model that promotes hydrogen and identifies bottlenecks and limitations affecting the hydrogen export industry; and
• $600,000 to study blending hydrogen in the WA gas network and related technical, economic and regulatory implications.  

WA Premier Mark McGowan said, “The WA Recovery Plan is focused on creating a pipeline of local jobs to support WA’s economic recovery, while investing in growing green industries that support and improve WA’s future.

“The State Government and Renewable Hydrogen Council are keen to see Western Australia accelerate our hydrogen industry through these nine initiatives and the new 2030 target.

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“Major export markets are seeking hydrogen much sooner than expected, and we are in a prime position to join the supply chain.

“Investing in our clean energy future will not only create jobs and training opportunities for Western Australians, but will further diversify our economy.”

WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said interest in renewable hydrogen in accelerating and the WA Government is moving to position the state as a world leader in hydrogen production.

“Interest in renewable hydrogen is rapidly accelerating and our Government is moving to position WA as a world leader in hydrogen production,” she said.

“Investing in renewable hydrogen and bringing forward our targets sends a clear message to the industry that we are serious about Western Australia being powered by clean energy.

“The demonstration project in Denham is industry-leading, and has the potential to be rolled out across the State to benefit a wide range of small towns and communities.

“Boosting our renewable energy sector and giving businesses the confidence to establish themselves through these initiatives will help our State rebound stronger than ever.”

More information on the clean energy future initiatives is available at http://inthistogether.wa.gov.au. 

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Premier Peter Gutwein said Tasmania’s Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan outlines real actions that will kick-start the renewable hydrogen industry in Tasmania, creating hundreds of jobs and injecting billions into our economy, particularly in regional areas.

“We will invest $20 million through a Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Fund, provide up to $20 million in concessional loans and up to $10 million in support services which include competitive electricity supply arrangements and payroll tax relief, to drive industry development,” he said.

“Our vision is that Tasmania will be commercially exporting hydrogen by 2030.”

The plan identified that a 1000 megawatt renewable hydrogen facility (approximately enough power for one million households) was feasible and would create an estimated 1000 to 1200 local jobs, and support a further 2000 megawatts of renewable energy investment in the state.

Using abundant renewable energy, the premier said Tasmania can produce hydrogen with zero emissions, making it very attractive to both domestic and international markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China.

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Tasmanian Minister for Energy Guy Barnett said the plan shows Tasmania’s natural and established advantages means the state can produce renewable hydrogen up to 15 per cent cheaper than from the mainland power grid, and up to 30 per cent lower than from dedicated off-grid renewable resources.

“Government funding will be delivered through a competitive Expression of Interest process, due to open in the coming weeks, which will align with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA’s) $70 million hydrogen funding round,” he said.

“A major renewable hydrogen industry in Tasmania plays to our strengths and competitive advantages, complements our nationally significant Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation projects, and our commitment to taking real action on climate change and reducing emissions.”

The plan also outlines opportunities across government to increase hydrogen uptake including rolling out hydrogen buses, fleet vehicles and ferries. It is expected that private operators, such as navigators, may also take up the option to use renewable hydrogen once it’s commercially available.

The Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan is available here.

Hydro Tasmania says it is ready to work with prospective investors to ensure their projects have a secure source of clean energy.

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CEO of Hydro Tasmania, Steve Davy, said that hydrogen’s potential as an energy source had long been known, but that the associated technological and economic challenges are quickly reaching a tipping point. 

“Unlocking hydrogen from water is an energy intensive process and Tasmania can provide renewable energy to power the creation of ‘green’ hydrogen, a product that we know will be in high demand internationally as markets seek to decarbonise,” he said.

“With our natural and established advantages of abundant water and renewable energy generation, Tasmania has a competitive advantage in this sector that could deliver economic benefits for all Tasmanians.”

The Australia Institute said the plan is good for Tasmania and good for the planet.

Director of The Australia Institute Tasmania Leanne Minshull said, “Tasmania already has almost 100 per cent renewable energy, with more wind and solar projects ready to come on line. It’s great to see the Tasmanian Government backing our renewable energy sector by investing in this emerging industry”.

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The feasibility study will explore the potential to make green hydrogen work at industrial scale at Yara’s existing ammonia production facility in the Pilbara.

Yara will investigate producing renewable hydrogen via electrolysis powered by onsite solar PV. The renewable hydrogen produced will displace 30,000 tonnes per year of hydrogen which Yara currently derives from fossil fuels. The blended hydrogen will subsequently be converted to ammonia with a lower carbon footprint and sold for further processing into domestic and international markets. The study will also investigate using seawater for electrolysis. 

In the long term, Yara is aiming to produce hydrogen and ammonia entirely through renewable energy. The study will be the first step on the path to achieving commercial scale production of renewable hydrogen for export.

Related article: Australian Hydrogen Centre gets $1.2 million ARENA backing

Yara currently produces and exports approximately five per cent of the world’s ammonia production out of its existing facility in the Pilbara. The project will utilise Yara’s established trade partnerships and market expertise to export renewable hydrogen as ammonia from WA.

Yara will collaborate with global energy company ENGIE to deliver the feasibility study. ENGIE has a dedicated hydrogen business unit focused on developing industrial-scale renewable-based hydrogen solutions in international markets.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the feasibility study is another step to decarbonising the mining and ammonia production sectors in Western Australia.

“Hydrogen has huge potential as a fuel of the future, and as a potential energy export for Australia,” Mr Miller said.

“Yara’s project will offer great insight into how Australia’s current ammonia producers can transition away from the use of fossil fuels towards renewable alternatives for producing hydrogen while continuing to leverage the substantial export capabilities that those companies have already established.”

“This project will support future investment in renewable hydrogen from our largest producers, which in turn will provide the economies of scale required to produce renewable hydrogen and ammonia at a competitive price for export,” he said.

“We appreciate that ARENA has recognised Yara and ENGIE’s complementary expertise and experience on this complex project via this commitment. ARENA’s support will assist in completing the feasibility study so that we can fully understand the opportunity for generating renewable hydrogen for use in our Pilbara facilities,” said Yara International Executive Vice President Production Tove Andersen. 

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“As an energy transition enabler, ENGIE is heartened by ARENA’s support for the joint project with Yara to decarbonise its ammonia production. This is also a great example of the government support for a renewable hydrogen industry to take off in Australia. ENGIE is ready to contribute,” says Michele Azalbert, CEO of ENGIE’s Hydrogen Business Unit.

Under ARENA’s investment priority focused on accelerating Australia’s hydrogen industry, ARENA has committed approximately $50 million towards hydrogen initiatives so far, including over $22 million to R&D projects, and almost $28 million to demonstration, feasibility and pilot projects.

ARENA announced in November 2019 that we would commit up to $70 million in funding to a Hydrogen Deployment Competitive Funding Round in 2020. This process is progressing with consultation currently underway.

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The plan, released on November 19, reveals Tasmania is well-placed to be a major producer of renewable hydrogen long-term.

It finds a 1000 megawatt facility – equivalent to supplying around one million homes – could be feasible by 2030, creating an estimated 1200 regional jobs, and supporting a further 2000 megawatts of renewable energy investment in the state.

It also finds renewable hydrogen production in Tasmania could be up to 15 per cent cheaper to produce than from the mainland power grid, and up to 30 per cent cheaper to produce than from dedicated off-grid renewable sources, giving us a real advantage.

With emerging industries in Japan, South Korea and China, Tasmania has received significant interest from a range of proponents seeking emissions-free hydrogen at competitive rates. The Tasmanian Government has recently hosted a range of proponents and international consortiums to progress discussions.

Related article: Thunderbolt hydro power station opens in Tasmania

Chief Executive Officer of Energy Networks Australia, Andrew Dillon, said hydrogen would play an important role in the sustainable energy future.

“Hydrogen can be produced from excess renewable power, providing clean energy that can be stored for when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind isn’t blowing,” Mr Dillon said.

“As the energy sector continues to decarbonise and intermittent renewable generation increases, this storage capacity means hydrogen can play an important role in stabilising our energy system.

“Hydrogen technology is already being embraced around the world for domestic and commercial use in gas networks and to fuel passenger and freight trains.”

Mr Dillon said trials of hydrogen production, hydrogen blending into existing networks or exports were underway in every Australian state, with Tasmania’s strategy the latest addition.

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“Energy networks are using renewable gases such as hydrogen made from solar and wind power to decarbonise our gas networks,” Mr Dillon said.

A recent update to Gas Vision 2050, released by Energy Networks Australia and the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association, showed that more than $180 million of funding had been committed nationally for hydrogen infrastructure projects.

Energy Networks Australia has previously released research confirming that the injection of hydrogen into Australian gas distribution networks can be done under current gas legislation.

Read the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan here.

The plan is in draft stage and comments on the plan close January 10, 2020.

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