PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government’s A$1.7-million investment in the Hydrogen Park Gladstone project has reached its first major milestone, with the procurement of the plant’s 175 kW electrolyser, several months ahead of schedule.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the project would drive the hydrogen industry forward and create highly skilled jobs in regional Queensland.
“The Hydrogen Park Gladstone project will be the first in Australia to blend renewable hydrogen into an entire city gas network for residential, commercial and industrial customers,” De Brenni said.
“Last month, I inspected the potential site in South Gladstone with representatives of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), who have informed me that they’ve finalised their detailed engineering design and the project is full steam ahead.”
AGIG CEO Ben Wilson said next steps for the project included securing the site, lodging the development application, and appointing partners to commence construction this year as part of an accelerated target delivery model.
“We are proud to partner with the Queensland government on this ground-breaking project,” he said.
“Starting with our gas networks, this A$4.2-million project supports Gladstone’s vision to be a key hub for Queensland’s domestic and hydrogen export industry, just as it is for natural gas today.”
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said the port city remains at the forefront of hydrogen industry development in Australia.
“Under the government, Gladstone has already secured the H2-Hub and an agreement with Japan’s Sumitomo to produce renewable hydrogen,” Butcher said.
“The Hydrogen Park is another great outcome from our government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, of which AGIG was actually the very first grant recipient.
“It will be Australia's first renewable hydrogen production facility to deliver up to 10% renewable hydrogen blended with natural gas through our existing gas network.”