Woodside, Keppel Data Centres sign hydrogen pact
Woodside Energy and Keppel Data Centres Holding have signed a non-binding heads of agreement (HOA) to evaluate the potential supply of liquid hydrogen to Singapore from the former’s portfolio of planned production facilities, including its proposed H2Perth facility in Perth, Western Australia, the companies announced on April 26.
The HOA provides a pathway for the parties to jointly develop further commercial principles of hydrogen supply chain agreements. The HOA references the potential purchase of approximately 1000 metric tons/day of liquid hydrogen by Keppel as early as 2030, when the parties anticipate the associated production technologies and shipping systems will reach maturity. The HOA follows the conclusion of feasibility studies the parties began in late-2021.
It is envisaged that a hydrogen supply chain will benefit Keppel’s data centre facilities, including its planned Datapark+, which is envisioned to be an energy-efficient data centre park development in Singapore, Woodside said.
“Woodside has more than 30 years’ experience cooling, storing and transporting large volumes of gas. Liquefying hydrogen provides the opportunity to export energy that can contribute to the decarbonisation goals of customers and provide an economic and trade opportunity that supports the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement,” Woodside executive vice president new energy Shaun Gregory said.
Wong Wai Meng CEO of Keppel Data Centres said: “We are investing to create a sustainable future for data centres through innovative lower-carbon solutions. Access to a stable supply of hydrogen to power our data centres in Singapore will accelerate our decarbonisation efforts as we transition towards net zero emissions. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Woodside to explore ways to reduce emissions and make a positive environmental impact.”
Australia’s biggest gas producer Woodside is planning to invest $5bn in emerging new energy markets by 2030. In addition to the H2Perth project, the company is also developing the H2TAS project in northern Tasmania to supply both Australia and international markets. The company has also announced plans to expand its portfolio of hydrogen production opportunities to the US.