PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government has launched a A$5-million study into a hydrogen plant at the government-owned Stanwell power station.
Resources and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham told Parliament on Thursday that the 12-month study would assess the technical, commercial and strategic feasibility of a large hydrogen electrolysis plant near Stanwell.
Government-owned generator Stanwell Corporation is looking at a 10 MW or larger demonstration plant, the largest plant of its type in Australia.
“By deploying hydrogen electrolysis at large scale, the demonstration plant could help drive down production costs and support the development of new domestic and export markets for hydrogen,” Lynham said.
The study started in July and is looking at building an electrolysis plant. Demineralised water already produced at Stanwell would then be treated at the plant to produce hydrogen.
The hydrogen produced could then be used in three ways: to produce liquid ammonia for fertilisers and as an industrial chemical; be compressed and sold as a gas for various uses, including for manufacturers; or be compressed and used to generate electricity in a gas turbine or a fuel cell.
Lynham said Stanwell had had discussions with potential local and international commercial partners and customers.
State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the surge of interest in hydrogen development in Central Queensland showed the government’s Hydrogen Industry Strategy was working.
“I’m confident that in partnership with industry, universities and research institutes, we can develop a clean, green hydrogen export industry in Queensland,” he said.
“Our government is working hard to drive this industry forward, to create more local jobs, especially in our regions, and a stronger state economy.”