Green hydrogen will be produced for the first time in Tasmania following the launch of Blue Economy CRC’s Hydrogen Production and Research Facility in Hobart.
The Hydrogen Production and Research Facility is Tasmania’s first green hydrogen production plant and supports research and training development for blue economy industries. It will also provide commercial-scale hydrogen for industry and transport applications.
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The facility features an innovative DC hydrogen microgrid, controlling one of Australia’s largest electrolysers, which generates 100% renewable, green hydrogen—an alternate, reliable energy supply that could replace carbon-intensive fossil fuels and diesel.
The facility will produce 262kg per day, representing the hydrogen required to run two 22m hydrogen fuel cell powered passenger ferries that can carry 75 people for a day.
Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said the Tasmanian Government welcomed the launch of the State’s first green hydrogen production facility.
“This facility has one of Australia’s largest electrolysers, generating up to 100 per cent renewable hydrogen, providing an alternative and reliable energy supply that could replace carbon-intensive fossil fuels and diesel across a range of industries,” Minister Duigan said.
“Our government has a goal to reach 200% 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.”
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The facility at BOC Australia’s Lutana site features an electrolyser attached to a sophisticated microgrid system that can recreate the inputs from renewable energy such as wind, solar or ocean energy, and mirror loads from industry to simulate real-life applications.
A 700kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser delivered by Optimal Group has been installed and commissioned by pitt&sherry, Optimal Group and BOC, the first of its kind in Tasmania to draw on 100% renewable energy from installed solar PV and verified renewable power from Tasmania’s electricity grid.
