The Australian government has given the green light for the development of a A$51 million ($34 million) renewable hydrogen plant in Victoria state, according to Energy Minister Chris Bowen. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions and enhance alternative energy resources in the country.
Bowen stated that the planned electrolyser, with a capacity of 10 megawatts, will be larger than any existing unit of its kind in Australia. Located in Wodonga, Victoria, the facility will incorporate green hydrogen into gas networks to provide sustainable energy to approximately 40,000 households.
Australia has been actively seeking ways to boost hydrogen production in order to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and cater to the demands of trading partners committed to reducing emissions. Construction of the new electrolyser, a technology that produces low-emission hydrogen using renewable power, is scheduled to commence later this year, with the site expected to be operational by 2025.
Funding for the project will be provided by the Victoria government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under the federal government, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The plant will be powered by energy generated from a wind farm, ensuring a clean and sustainable operation, added Bowen.
ARENA, in a statement, revealed that the funding would be allocated to the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, an energy infrastructure company responsible for delivering the project.
Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA, emphasized the significance of the venture, stating that the amount of renewable hydrogen to be produced would be unprecedented in Australia. He highlighted the importance of launching these initial projects to facilitate the growth of Australia's renewable hydrogen industry.
In May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor government unveiled the “Hydrogen Headstart” program, a A$2 billion initiative aimed at expediting the production and export of hydrogen fuel. This demonstrates Australia's commitment to becoming a key player in the global hydrogen market.
