green hydrogen

A team of scientists led by the University of Glasgow has discovered a more efficient method of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity which it says could almost double the amount of hydrogen produced per millivolt.

As the momentum is building behind hydrogen in Australia and abroad, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is leading the way in research and development with a range of initiatives on the ground.

A massive green hydrogen production project has been unveiled for Western Australia with Siemens on board as technology partner. The project location is touted as Australia’s best for combined solar and wind generation potential.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union is recommending an overhaul of policies to promote manufacturing in regional Australia along with a major push to create new jobs in a range of industries, including lithium batteries, green hydrogen and renewables.

As part of a broader push to develop a domestic hydrogen industry, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $2.9 million for two studies into using solar and wind-powered hydrogen for ammonia. Both project are located in Queensland and presently use natural gas as feedstock.

Australia’s chief scientist Dr. Alan Finkel continues to push Australia toward a strong hydrogen economy produced by solar and wind through electrolysis. However, Finkel remains attached to the idea that toxically unpopular carbon capture and storage methods, a lifeline for fossil fuel producers, should also play a part.

South Australia is looking to leverage its wind, sun, land, infrastructure and skills to be a world-class renewable hydrogen supplier.

The Western Australian Government has launched a $10 million Renewable Hydrogen Fund in a bid to drive a new job-creating industry harnessing the state’s renewable resources. The fund’s strategic focus areas will be export, remote applications, blending in gas network and transport.

Scientists at the Australia National University have observed a key stage in the process of photosynthesis which could be copied to greatly increase the efficiency of sunlight-powered water splitting processes used to produce hydrogen.

French renewables developer Neoen has won development approval from the South Australian government for a major renewable energy project, comprising 125 MW of wind generation, 150 MW of solar PV generation and 130MW/400MWh of lithium-ion battery storage. The project could also integrate up to 50 MW of on-site hydrogen production capability.