The McGowan Government today said it is allocating $1.68m to fund seven renewable hydrogen feasibility studies across Western Australia.
The projects being invested in have the potential to kick start a job-creating renewable hydrogen industry, the government said.
The studies, funded through the McGowan Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Fund, include examining creating solar hydrogen for waste collection and light vehicle fleets in Cockburn, a hydrogen refuelling hub in Mandurah and the potential for an electrolysis hydrogen production plant in the Great Southern or Wheatbelt.
Other proposals include a standalone power system for an indigenous community in the Pilbara using 100% renewable energy; a hydrogen production facility near Kununurra using existing hydro generation; examining the compatibility of the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas transmission pipeline with blended hydrogen and looking at the integration of renewable hydrogen with isolated power stations.
The fund is a key part of the McGowan Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy which aims to position the State as a major producer, user and exporter of renewable hydrogen.
The seven studies align with the strategy’s four Strategic Focus Areas of export, remote applications, blending in natural gas networks and transport.
Project applications through the fund’s project funding stream have closed and will be announced in coming months.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan commented, “Western Australia needs to explore how we can produce, use and provide energy to our international partners through clean and reliable sources – renewable energy via hydrogen provides a means to do this.”
“These feasibility studies will facilitate significant private sector investment and leverage financial support for a job-creating renewable hydrogen industry in Western Australia.”
“We received 19 feasibility study applications of which seven have been selected: confirming there is strong interest in developing a renewable hydrogen industry in Western Australia.”
“The projects being investigated have the potential to create new jobs, skills and training opportunities – particularly in regional Western Australia.”
Projects in detail
ATCO Australia awarded $375,000 for a feasibility study for a 10MW electrolysis hydrogen production plant.
City of Cockburn awarded $149,000 for a feasibility study for solar hydrogen production for waste collection and light vehicle fleets. Study also examines cogeneration opportunities for electricity and heat production.
DBNCP (WA) Nominees awarded $216,000 for feasibility study examining the compatibility of the transmission pipeline with blended hydrogen, includes preparing a roadmap for development of regulations for hydrogen blended gas in WA.
Energy Developments Limited awarded $243,000 for feasibility study for the integration of renewable hydrogen production with isolated power stations.
Hazer Group Limited awarded $250,000 for feasibility study for a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure hub and associated transport applications.
Murdoch University awarded $75,000 for feasibility study for 100% renewable energy standalone power system for an indigenous community in the Pilbara. Study includes development of a new modelling tool to optimise design.
Pacific Hydro Australia Developments awarded $370,000 for feasibility study for hydrogen production facility near Kununurra utilising existing hydro generation.
