A new renewable hydrogen production and refuelling project in Queensland is expected to demonstrate the production and use of renewable hydrogen in refuelling, and in existing gas production and supply chains.
The $3.1 million pilot project will involve the installation of a 220 kW electrolyser and a 100 kW solar array at BOC’s Bulwer Island gas facility to produce green hydrogen via electrolysis, and will utilise the industrial gas equipment and infrastructure onsite. The electrolyser will have the capacity to produce 2400 kilograms of hydrogen per month. The project also includes a hydrogen refuelling station in Brisbane. 50kg per day of renewable hydrogen will be produced for the vehicle refuelling station.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) recently announced $950,000 in funding for the project.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said hydrogen is a huge opportunity for Australia, both domestically and internationally as an emission-free energy source but it is still in its early stages.
“In Australia, hydrogen has applications across transport, heavy industry, and as energy storage injected into our existing gas networks. Internationally, we are well placed to become a leading exporter of hydrogen,” Mr Miller said.
Last year, ARENA commissioned a report by ACIL Allen Consulting to look into the opportunities for Australia from hydrogen exports.
The report found that Australia is in a strong position to become a leading exporter of hydrogen, as global demand increases over the next decade, predicting Australia’s hydrogen export industry could be worth $1.7 billion annually to the economy and create 2,800 jobs by 2030.