Global hydrogen solutions firm Plug Power Inc has been selected to supply two 5MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects in Tasmania, Australia, under development by Countrywide Hydrogen, a subsidiary of ReNu Energy.
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Plug Power’s electrolyser systems, which were selected by Countrywide Hydrogen, will be installed at planned production facilities in Brighton near Hobart and Western Junction near Launceston. The 4,200kg/day of hydrogen produced at these two sites will be used to decarbonise road transport and natural gas sectors in Tasmania.
“Plug is pleased to support Countrywide Hydrogen with its ambitious green hydrogen projects in the state of Tasmania,” Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said.
“The plants are strategically located to leverage existing infrastructure, and Plug’s PEM electrolyser systems are a perfect complement to the plant designs.”
The hydrogen will be produced via electrolysis with renewable power planned to be initially sourced from the state grid, with subsequent supply from behind-the-meter solar and power purchase agreements from wind, solar and hydropower operators. The water will be supplied from TasWater’s network.
The design includes a second electrolyser at each site to meet increased hydrogen demand. It ensures a secure supply by implementing electrolyser redundancy and use of tube trailers for hydrogen storage.
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The storage system ensures that the sites can support one another in the event of unexpected outages. The sites will include connections to the TasGas network, allowing injection of hydrogen into the network as well as supply to local industry.
