South Oz Hydrogen Project Nears Launch
Australian Gas Networks (AGN), part of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), is in the final stage of commissioning its Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA) facility in South Australia (SA), AGIG said on October 26.
AGN has completed the installation of the electrolyser, with final construction works due to be finished shortly. “A pioneering hydrogen production plant in final commissioning in Adelaide is set to become a major supplier to the industry – with the SA regional city of Whyalla to be the first beneficiary,” it said.
The plant is now undergoing commissioning before the start of the supply of blended renewable hydrogen and natural gas into an adjoining suburban network near the Tonsley Innovation District later this year.
“The commissioning and first production is a key commercial milestone for AGN, which was backed in the A$11.4mn (US$8.11mn) project with a A$4.9mn grant from the South Australian government’s Renewable Technology Fund,” AGIG said.
Meanwhile, AGN has signed an agreement with BOC, a subsidiary of Linde, to install tube trailer refilling infrastructure at the site. BOC plans to supply industrial customers in Whyalla and Adelaide with hydrogen output from HyP SA.
According to the company, the new Adelaide-based hydrogen supply chain will replace current tube trailer hydrogen deliveries to Whyalla from Victoria, saving approximately 117,000 km in annual driving and 122,000-kg/year of carbon emissions.
AGIG CEO Ben Wilson said the expansion of the HyP SA facility to supply industry had always been part of the company’s plan for the facility. “This initial partnership with BOC is a key enabler to further potential expansion to South Australia and wider industrial markets. It also brings us a step closer to supplying hydrogen for vehicle refuelling in South Australia,” Wilson said.
Installation of the tube trailer infrastructure is expected to be completed by January 2021, with the first commercial deliveries to Whyalla starting shortly afterward.