PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Australia's first remote renewable hydrogen microgrid has launched in Denham in Western Australia's Gascoyne region.  

Once fully operational in early 2023, the A$9.3-million Denham hydrogen demonstration plant is expected to be able to power the average demands of 100 households or 20% of Denham's residents and businesses. 

It will also offset 140 000 l of diesel annually and provide a decarbonisation pathway for future energy systems.

The plant includes a 704-kW solar farm, 348 kW hydrogen electrolyser, and a 100 kW fuel cell providing an innovative alternative to diesel generators. 

The Western Australian government provided A$5.7-million towards the project, with A$1-million through the Renewable Hydrogen Fund. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has provided A$2.6-million of funding through its Advancing Renewables Program.

“The Denham hydrogen demonstration plant is leading the energy transition to new technologies, as we work towards the government's commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.

“The demonstration in Denham is extending knowledge of hydrogen technology and systems in practice and considers how this technology can be used in other remote power systems.”

Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan added that the Denham hydrogen demonstration plant demonstrated the state government's drive to ensure Western Australia reaches its potential as a renewable hydrogen powerhouse.

“Once fully operational the plant will show how renewable hydrogen can be used to replace diesel and other fossil fuels to propel Western Australia to net zero emissions by 2050.

“This project is the first step towards rolling out renewable hydrogen domestically - and has helped us build critical skills and understanding to move us along as a producer and user of renewable hydrogen.”