Blue Economy launches Tasmania’s ‘first’ hydrogen production and research facility

Australia’s Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has inaugurated what is claimed to be Tasmania’s “first” green hydrogen production and research facility.

As disclosed, the unit, which is situated at BOC Australia’s Lutana site in Hobart, supports research and training development for blue economy industries and will also provide commercial-scale hydrogen for industry and transport applications.

According to Blue Economy, it features an “innovative DC hydrogen microgrid, controlling one of Australia’s largest electrolysers, which generates 100% renewable, green hydrogen.” It is understood that the facility’s system can recreate the inputs from renewable energy such as wind, solar or ocean energy, and mirror loads from industry to simulate real-life applications.

The plant is expected to produce 262 kilograms (kg) per day, reportedly representing the hydrogen required to run two 22-meter (m) hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger ferries that can carry 75 people for a day.

Blue Economy CRC’s CEO John Whittington commented: “The launch of this facility marks the beginning of Tasmania’s hydrogen production journey of discovery. The production of green hydrogen begins at commercial scale, but what we’re really looking to produce is answers to some of our most important questions around hydrogen and its uses. This is a research facility and as we ramp up commercial production, we will also better understand the role hydrogen can play in our system and how it can support Australia’s blue economy.”

Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan stated: “Our Government has a goal to reach 200 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2040, and this facility is the start of building a sustainable green hydrogen sector to power our State for generations to come. The commencement of this project is also an important step forward in the application of hydrogen as a green fuel, helping to decarbonise our transport sector. This commercial-scale green hydrogen project highlights what can be achieved when industry, research and government work together to drive innovation.”

Theo Martin, Managing Director of Linde South Pacific and Head of BOC Australia, stressed that BOC was “well placed to support this initiative which brings green hydrogen to Tasmania,” adding: “For BOC, this was a perfect opportunity to bring our knowledge and skills to an important project that will lay the foundation for renewable hydrogen research and its application in this State.”

To note, this project was delivered under the CRC program in conjunction with BOC Australia, the Tasmanian Government, pitt&sherry, Optimal Group, the University of Tasmania, Griffith University and Hydro Tasmania.