On Tuesday (August 9), AGL revealed the feasibility study is expected to map key operational and commercial plans for the project at AGL’s Hunter Energy Hub, as well as developing a production timeline.
H2 View understands the study will also focus on assessing the implementation of a green hydrogen production capacity of 150MW to 2GW.
Expected to be completed by the end of 2022, the study comes as another step forward in AGL’s vision for an industrial low carbon energy hub at the site of its Liddell and Bayswater power stations.
Set to be carried out by independent technical consultancy, GHD Advisory, AGL hopes to be welcomes FFI as the exclusive producer of green hydrogen at its Hunter site.
In addition to AGL and FFI, a consortium of partners across multiple sectors have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) in relation to the project, including, APA Group, INPEX CORPORATION, Jemena, and Osaka Gas Australia.
This comes as the second feasibility being carries out to see green hydrogen production at an AGL site, with the announcement in June that the company was looking to see if the production of the clean energy carrier was feasible at its Torrens Island site in Adelaide.
Read more: Study establish hydrogen hub at Torrens Island power plant launched in Australia
Commenting on the latest study, Markus Brokhof, Chief Operating Officer at AGL, said “As we create our Hunter Energy Hub, our aim is to develop strong partnerships that enable an efficient ecosystem and create a circular economy.
“By working hand in hand with Fortescue Future Industries, we will be supporting Australia’s emerging green hydrogen industry and bringing our expertise in large-scale renewable generation to the fold.”
“Early estimates suggest the site can support a hydrogen facility of up to 2GW in scale, but we will also test critical inputs including renewable energy costs, firming requirements, electrolyser capital costs, logistics and utilisation. The feasibility scope will focus on assessing the accelerated implementation of a large-scale production facility from minimum 150MW and up to 2GW of hydrogen and preferred derivatives including ammonia for export and domestic use.
“Our Hunter Energy Hub will be the first of its kind in Australia and will be an example of how an energy hub can combine grid-scale batteries, solar thermal storage, wind and pumped hydro. It will be an industry-leading model for our other large generation sites and others across the country.
“Liddell and Bayswater benefit from unique energy infrastructure, positioned with strong grid connectivity, established transport links, workshops and proximity to water supply and industrial activity.
“The future is about bringing the best in low-carbon technologies together to shape a cleaner energy future to ensure customers have sustainable, secure and affordable electricity.”
Felicity Underhill, Director for East Australia and New Zealand at FFI, added, “The scale of green hydrogen production potential in the Hunter region is world leading and we’re keen to accelerate the delivery of this potential.”
H2 View’s Hydrogen in India – Snap Summit
With the launch of its national hydrogen strategy in recent weeks and growing interest in India’s bold ambitions to de-leverage from traditional fossil fuel-based energy, H2 View stages a Snap Summit to address the country’s path forward in hydrogen.
India plans to manufacture five million tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030 and not just meet its own climate objectives but become a production and export hub for the clean fuel.
Some sources question a lack of detail over the wider ecosystem while others still point to the country’s reliance on coal power. Yet, the world’s third-largest energy consuming country is already embracing renewable energy, its solar power sector is moving forward, and data suggests coal’s hold over India’s power sector is steadily loosening. The grid is already evolving.
The question is, how can a renewable energy powerhouse fast-track to true sustainability with green hydrogen? Join H2 View and a programme of global hydrogen leaders to unlock answers and insights for the short, medium, and long-term future in India.
Want to learn more? Click here.