Pilot has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 8 Rivers Capital to accelerate the deployment of 8 Rivers’ 8RH2 blue green hydrogen process and clean ammonia production at the project.

H2 View understands 8 Rivers will also secure an offtake option for 172,500 tonnes per annum for clean ammonia-export from the Pilot site.

The project was initially announced in 2021, with the objective of assessing the carbon capture, storage (CCS) and use potential of the Cliff Head oil project and additional reservoirs across the Perth Basin.

Read more: Pilot Energy to explore blue hydrogen and CCS in the Mid West of Australia

Currently in its final oil production phase until 2025, the Cliff Head project will begin carbon capture and storage in 2024, with blue hydrogen capacities expected to be installed by 2025, and ammonia production capabilities anticipated by 2027 onwards.

Brad Lingo, Chairman of Pilot Energy, commented, “The pilot team are looking forward to continuing our strong working relationships with 8 Rivers. Pilot’s feasibility studies demonstrated the benefit of combining the Cliff Head CCS resources with the 8 Rivers clean hydrogen solution at our Mid West Clean Energy Project.

In February 2022, Pilot Energy announced its feasibility studies at its site suggested the project has potential to deliver both bluer and green hydrogen for both domestic consumption and export.

Read more: Early results from Pilot Energy reveal positive news for hydrogen production in Mid West Australia

Cam Hose, CEO of 8 Rivers Capital, said, “As a company, we are committed to enabling the development of zero-carbon fuels globally.

“As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change, we’re proud that Pilot is looking to 8 Rivers’ zero-carbon solutions to underpin the creation of one of Australia’s most significant onshore carbon capture projects located on a critical supply route for Asia.”