Hydrogen

A new report from IEEFA says green ammonia could help India significantly reduce its trillion-rupee fertiliser subsidy bill and cut dependence on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports for fertiliser production.

With its promise of cheap, easy ‘god molecules’ flowing inexhaustibly from the ground, it’s no wonder natural hydrogen is piquing interest. Sometimes referred to as ‘gold’ or ‘white’ hydrogen, Avon McIntyre, executive director of HyTerra, an Australian company in the space, told pv magazine Australia natural hydrogen projects should have smaller carbon footprints than sprawling green hydrogen plays and, moreover, would be ready quicker. Enticing as it sounds, unknowns remain.

Infinite Blue Energy has announced a partnership with Indigenous-owned Boya Energy on the green hydrogen project it has planned for the 11 MW Northam solar farm east of Perth.

The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has published new research showing that hydrogen leaks could have an indirect climate-warming impact, partly offsetting efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Indian renewable energy developer Greenko Group has partnered with Belgium’s John Cockerill to develop a green hydrogen electrolyser factory with a capacity of 2GW per annum. The partnership will also see the two companies jointly develop large-scale green hydrogen projects in India.

Water-from-air technology company Aqua Aerem’s Desert Bloom green hydrogen project received Major Project Status from the Northern Territory Government last year, now it has announced a partnership with Japanese energy giant Osaka Gas which not only brings the 10GW project closer to reality, but has also seen the company boost its ambitions to 20GW in light of “quickly developing demand.”

Sydney company CST Composites is seeking to establish Australia’s first hydrogen vessel manufacturing facility, looking to secure its position in the rapidly growing industry through a joint venture with a US-based hydrogen storage tank manufacturer.

Hailed as a landmark for Australia’s vision of becoming a global hydrogen exporter, the Suiso Frontier’s first shipment of liquid hydrogen from Australia is now under investigation after a flame was seen coming from the gas combustion unit’s exhaust on deck.

Bosch’s new solid oxide fuel cell prototype has an electrical efficiency of more than 60% and an overall efficiency above 85%. It also has a targeted power output of 10 kW and can produce up to 3 kW of thermal energy.

Australian engineering company Worley will help develop a $39 billion green hydrogen project in Oman.