CSIRO makes a push for affordable hydrogen
Hydrogen clusters will be developed in Gladstone and Toowoomba to join a national group to support the transition to clean energy.
Electricity prices could jump by 20 per cent later this year
It coincides with the start of a hydrogen industry mission by the national science agency, the CSIRO, to drive down the cost of green hydrogen to below $2 a kilogram where it becomes commercially viable.
CSIRO chief executive Dr Larry Marshall said the unique mission-based partnership was the key to creating a new industry for the future energy needs of Australia and the world.
“Australia can become a renewable energy leader through the production, use and export of hydrogen, but it will only become a reality if we breakthrough the $2/kg barrier,’’ Marshall said.
“That needs Australia’s world class science working with CSIRO’s commercialisation expertise turning breakthrough science into real-world solutions.’’
He said as many as 8000 jobs could be created by the successful adaption of hydrogen.
The mission will focus on delivering four key programs of work, some of which have already begun.
They included a hydrogen knowledge centre, feasibility and strategy studies, demonstration projects and an investment in breakthrough technologies.
Meanwhile, the State Government has marked $100,000 for the development of the two new hydrogen clusters at Gladstone and Toowoomba.
The clusters will work in partnership with the National Energy Resources Australia.
Earlier this year, Eco Energy World, which is developing at 300 MW solar project north of Gladstone, said it would add a 200 MW hydrogen plant and 100 MW of energy storage for green hydrogen exports to the global market.
There is a significant push for projects in Gladstone, which already has gas infrastructure and an industrial port.
Sumitomo has started a feasibility study covering the entire hydrogen supply chain to determine the best configuration for hydrogen production and demand creation including decarbonization of the local gas infrastructure, mobility, and any other related application in the Gladstone region.
Minister for Energy Mick di Brenni said the funding would go to the Gladstone Energy Alliance and Surat Basin Enterprises to develop hydrogen strategies.
“Backing clusters in Gladstone and Toowoomba will drive the development of Queensland’s hydrogen supply chain in a way that delivers jobs for regional Queenslanders in areas like components and materials manufacturing for this new technology,” de Brenni said.
