A $5 million study into a hydrogen electrolysis plant at Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton is underway. The study will assess the technical, commercial and strategic feasibility of a large (10 MW or bigger) hydrogen demonstration plant which will be the largest plant of its type in Australia.
By deploying hydrogen electrolysis at large scale, the demonstration plant would help drive down production costs and support the development of new domestic and export markets for hydrogen. It would also enhance the flexibility of Stanwell Power Station so it can continue playing an important role in facilitating Queensland’s transition to a lower carbon future.
Stanwell is aiming to encourage the growth of a hydrogen export industry in Central Queensland which would drive energy load growth in the region, ease pressure on the electricity network and support the growth of renewable energy. The project will purchase green certificates from renewable energy projects in the region to deliver a carbon neutral hydrogen product.
Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier that can be used in transport, power generation and a range of industrial uses, including products for the mining and agricultural sectors.
Stanwell is investigating the feasibility of a large (10 MW or bigger) hydrogen demonstration plant at Stanwell Power Station, near Rockhampton. The project would be located approximately 1 km to the north of the existing power station site.
Potential pathways
Stanwell will produce hydrogen using electrolysis. Electrolysis uses an electrical current to split water and create hydrogen, with oxygen as the only by-product.
The hydrogen would be trucked to end use customers or utilised on-site for secondary production processes such as ammonia, methanation or power generation. The hydrogen produced could be used for:
- Power-to-Ammonia for fertilisers and as an industrial chemical;
- Power-to-Gas for various manufacturing uses; and
- Power-to-Power to generate electricity.
During the feasibility study, we will investigate these and other options further to determine a preferred pathway(s).
Opportunities and benefits
Given the large scale of the project, the demonstration plant would help:
- drive down production costs;
- support the development of new domestic and export markets for hydrogen;
- drive down energy load growth in the region;
- ease pressure on the electricity network; and
- support the growth of renewable energy.
The project will purchase green certificates from renewable energy projects in the region to deliver a carbon neutral hydrogen product.
Safety
One of the key activities during the feasibility study will be to finalise a detailed design including all safety aspects.
Project timeline
Source: Stanwell Power
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
