BOC partners with CSIRO on $3.4m hydrogen project

Billy Chan from BOC, Luc Fogliaresi from CSIRO and John Roynon from BOC

Global gases and engineering company BOC has announced it will support the CSIRO during its $3.4 million ammonia to hydrogen cracking and membrane purification project set to revolutionise the global supply chain for hydrogen.

As part of a recently signed collaboration agreement, BOC will contribute in-kind gas products, equipment and technical expertise worth in excess of $100,000 for the two-year project underway at CSIRO’s Brisbane test site.

BOC will supply ammonia, which will be cracked and purified into pure hydrogen by the modular membrane technology unit developed by CSIRO, and the company’s engineers will assist with compressing and storing the hydrogen.

It will then be distributed to Australian customers on the east coast for use in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

General manager hydrogen Alex Dronoff said BOC was proud to be working with CSIRO researchers as they take a significant step forward in hydrogen technology.

“As the only global organisation with expertise and technology that covers the entire hydrogen supply chain, BOC and The Linde Group are committed to working with Australian researchers and industry to help advance the global transition towards clean hydrogen for mobility and energy,” Mr Dronoff said.

“We look forward to sharing our extensive experience with CSIRO as they enter the final development stages of the membrane technology device – providing advice on generation and storage, right through to transportation and refuelling of hydrogen-powered vehicles.”

CSIRO Energy director Karl Rodrigues said he was excited by the growing global momentum to develop hydrogen energy systems, and the potential for a hydrogen export industry to benefit Australia.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with industry – including BOC – and look forward to applying CSIRO innovation to facilitate the creation of new low emissions energy markets,” he said.

“With this CSIRO technology, it will be easier and faster to replicate this success on an even larger scale. We are certainly excited by the significant role that Australia will play in making renewable hydrogen a fuel of the future.”

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