The first renewable hydrogen demonstration plant has been completed in the town of Denham in Western Australia (WA). The plant will test the technical and commercial viability of emissions-free fuel as a “baseload power source,” according to Renew Economy.
The plant has a 348kW electrolyser, a hydrogen compression and storage system, and a 100kW fuel cell.
The plant was commissioned by Horizon Power, a WA government-owned utility as part of their renewable microgrid. Hybrid Systems Australia built and designed it with Pacific Energy subsidiary ENGV.
What will it do?
The project will convert electricity from the plant to make green hydrogen in sun-drenched Denham. Then, the hydrogen will be used to power a fuel cell that is capable of generating enough energy to supply around 100 homes.
The hydrogen fuel cell will be plugged into the existing stand-alone power system. When it is fully operational. The hydrogen project may reduce diesel use by 140,000 litres a year.
Diesel displacement is in focus here due to the rising costs and the country’s dependency on imports for its supply.
According to State Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan, “We are importing 6.7 billion litres of diesel into this state every year. You just think about that from the carbon footprint, our supply chain vulnerability, and the fact is we put those 6.7 billion litres of diesel on diesel trucks and drive it thousands of kilometres across the state.”
The race for hydrogen power
The beginning of the trial in Denham comes at a time when investors and governments globally are looking for ways to produce hydrogen without emissions.
A project in South Australia is being pursued, which aims to turn surplus renewable energy into hydrogen before it is injected into the reticulated gas network. Queensland also has plans to produce green ammonia using hydrogen from clean energy sources.
The viability of hydrogen
Despite the plans and activities towards hydrogen power, there is scepticism about its viability. The main reason behind this is the current high production costs. However, these trials could help find ways to bring down costs and make hydrogen more affordable. In addition, the Denham trial (along with other hydrogen projects) can serve as a blueprint for the adoption of green hydrogen in electricity systems across the country.
Western Australia also has several hydrogen projects in progress, such as the Christmas Creek Renewable Hydrogen Mobility Project, the Green Hydrogen for the City of Cockburn, and the Hydrogen Refueller Station. In addition, several sites are undergoing investigation studies in the state.
In addition, this would be helpful with the design of the Renewable Hydrogen Target in WA. The approach would set targets for South West Interconnected System retailers to have a certain percentage of electricity fueled by renewable hydrogen. As a result, this will create a local market that will support future hydrogen projects and also stabilise the grid more.
Energy Matters has over 17 years of experience in the solar industry and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
Complete our quick Solar Quote Quiz to receive up to 3 FREE quotes from trusted local installers – it’ll only take you a few minutes and is completely obligation-free.
