Rio Tinto and Sumitomo will partner in the construction of a hydrogen pilot plant at Rio Tinto’s Yarwun alumina refinery in Gladstone to assess the potential use of hydrogen at the refinery.
If the project proceeds, the pilot plant would produce hydrogen for the recently announced Gladstone Hydrogen Ecosystem, supporting the efforts of the federal, state and local governments in establishing the Gladstone region as a future hydrogen hub.
Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker said, “Rio Tinto has a long relationship with Sumitomo and we are delighted to partner with them to explore the possibilities of hydrogen, not only for our own refinery, but for Sumitomo to supply industry more broadly in Gladstone.
“Reducing the carbon intensity of our alumina production will be key to meeting our 2030 and 2050 climate targets. There is clearly more work to be done, but partnerships and projects like this are an important part of helping us get there.”
Related article: HyCapability to connect Australia’s hydrogen industry
Sumitomo Corporation energy innovation initiative director Hajime Mori said, “We are excited about working together with Rio Tinto as our long-term partner to develop this hydrogen project in Gladstone and working toward our company’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“We believe the pilot plant will play a significant role in establishing the Gladstone Hydrogen Ecosystem.
“Sumitomo has commenced the Design Study and Preliminary Master Planning to build the Gladstone hydrogen ecosystem and we will continue to work towards future hydrogen exports from Gladstone.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said, “This is a plan to create a renewable energy ecosystem that will power our low-carbon ambitions to transform industry, create thousands of jobs for Queenslanders, and decarbonise not only Queensland but the nation.”
The partnership between these global companies complements a recently announced feasibility study into replacing natural gas in the alumina refining process with hydrogen, with potential for larger-scale implementation if successful.
