Hydrogen hub on cards
Push for green energy plant at Brighton
THE construction of a proposed green hydrogen plant at Brighton could be the “first step” towards decarbonising Tasmania’s natural gas supply, according to the project developer.
Countrywide Renewable Hydrogen (CRH), which is a subsidiary of the ASX-listed ReNu Energy Limited, plans to build a 1-2MW green hydrogen electrolysis production facility on a site adjacent to the Brighton Transport Hub.
The company has entered into an option to lease land for the project and expects to be producing hydrogen in early 2024, subject to the final investment decision.
The facility – which will also require the construction of a distribution network – is designed to supply energy to gas customers in and around Hobart, local industry at Brighton and the public transport and trucking sectors.
“Tasmania is a world leader in the renewable energy industry and this is an important step in the state’s strategy to transition to lower carbon energy sources,” CRH managing director Geoffrey Drucker said.
“The Tasmanian government (is) consistently looking at ways for the state to reduce their carbon footprint, and this project complements their Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan released in 2019.”
CRH has signed a terms sheet with Tas Gas, the state’s biggest gas retailer, and the two companies have agreed to explore the potential to supply 100 per cent green hydrogen and natural gas blends to both industrial and residential gas customers.
Tas Gas has 9000 industrial, commercial and residential customers and has signed on as the “foundational” retailer for CRH’s Brighton project.
Mr Drucker said the partnership would provide an “opportunity” for low carbon gas to be supplied to customers “and we are incredibly excited by that potential”.
“Our vision is to enable industrial gas customers to completely decarbonise their gas supplies, while providing the Tasmanian community with the opportunity to access a blend of green hydrogen and natural gas as a lower carbon gas alternative,” he said.
“This is the first step towards enabling that.”
Tas Gas chief executive Phaedra Deckart said gas was “crucial to Tasmania’s energy security”.
“Energy distribution is often an overlooked part of an energy system, but gas network infrastructure will be critical to the success of Tasmania’s and the nation’s pathway to a successful hydrogen economy,” she said.