Hydrogen

German scientists have developed a novel hydrogen storage method that relies on nanostructures – tiny nanoparticles made of the precious metal palladium – instead of high pressure and lower temperatures.

Hydrogen is frequently touted as a major player in decarbonisation, and it is. But it will only be used at scale much later, and at a much lower level than solar and wind.

The Australian clean energy arm of the world’s largest zinc, lead, and silver producer has snapped up Sydney-based renewable energy developer Epuron in a deal that will give it access to a potential 9 GW of wind and solar PV generation.

Engie unit Tractebel is developing an offshore concept for the storage of hydrogen in caverns. Meanwhile, three major hydrogen projects in WA are set to receive support from the state government’s lead agency services, including Province Resources’ HyEnergy Project, The Murchison Hydrogen Renewables facility, and InterContinental Energy’s Western Green Energy Hub.

Eneos, Japan’s largest oil company, is set to increase its production of green hydrogen in Queensland in 2022.

Green hydrogen can play a vital role in decarbonising the economy and enabling countries to reach net-zero emissions. The economics of producing green hydrogen from electrolysis are maturing as developers scramble to meet expected future demand. Everoze partner Nicolas Chouleur and Neoen hydrogen expert Sacha Lepoutre discuss a case study that shows how stacking different revenue streams could improve the economics of renewable energy projects.

Australian green energy company Port Anthony Renewables’ oversubscribed capital raising exercise has put a fresh $3 million directly into its commercial scale hydrogen precinct ahead of a planned Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listing next year. Meanwhile, Longi reportedly plans to build 1.5 GW of production capacity of electrolysers next year, up from 500 MW today.

The Queensland government will explore whether hydrogen fuel cells can be used for heavy freight trains, preceding that news with the launch of what is believed to be the first hydrogen powered police car in the southern hemisphere.

A $15 billion green hydrogen project that utilises solar powered water-from-air technology to save on the cost of hydrogen generation and save the precious water resources of arid regions, has received Major Project Status from the Northern Territory government and aims to be in commercial production by 2023.

Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator will begin trials of its hydrogen Guarantee of Origin scheme. Backed by the Australian federal government, the scheme will aim to align with international standards and provide confidence to trading partners in the burgeoning industry.