ReNu to partner on hydrogen in Indonesia

18th November 2022 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – ASX-listed ReNu Energy and its wholly owned subsidiary, Countrywide Hydrogen have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with green energy developer Anantara Energy to collaborate on the development of a green hydrogen facility in Indonesia.

The facility will initially supply green hydrogen to Indonesia and, once local demand is met, will export to other countries in the Asia region and potentially Europe.

The green hydrogen production facility will use solar photovoltaic renewable power in the Karimun Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) in the Riau Archipelago. The feasibility and concept study will investigate a proposed 10 MW electrolyser producing up to 1 650 t/y of green hydrogen in the KSEZ, and will include direct investment of approximately $50-million, with indirect investments in infrastructure and other supply chains.

Subject to a positive outcome of the studies, it is expected that the financial close for a green hydrogen production facility can occur in 2024 with green hydrogen production beginning in 2025.

“Green hydrogen will play a major role in a future net-zero economy for Indonesia and Asia more broadly, creating emission-free power generation, transportation for mining, and industrial processes. We plan to meet the needs of a competitive market, and this production facility will continuously expand to reach a broader ASEAN market through an agreed energy export scheme,” Countrywide MD and ReNu executive director Geoffry Drucker said.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Anantara to begin the development of green hydrogen into the region, and help Indonesia strive towards future net-zero emissions.”

The Anatara MoU comes a day after ReNu and Countryside signed an MoU with Australia Pacific Airports for the development of a multi-purpose green hydrogen project at the Launceston Airport in Tasmania.

Under the MoU, Countrywide will start project design for an initial 5 MW electrolyser, with the project to incorporate the installation of a solar array on vacant airport land to provide behind-the-meter electricity. The project will be designed with potential to scale up as demand increases, allowing for distributed green hydrogen production.