South Australia shortlists 7 projects for hydrogen hub

The South Australia (SA) state government said it has shortlisted seven hydrogen projects powered by renewable energy for its proposed hydrogen hub at Port Bonython. These could export around 1.5mn t/yr of green hydrogen.

The shortlist follows the state government in May launching an expression of interest to develop land at Port Bonython to create a multi-user export-focused precinct to leverage the state's advantages in renewable energy, fuels and minerals, SA premier Steven Marshall said in a statement.

"Seven shortlisted projects from both Australian and international heavy-hitters are proposing tens of billions of dollars of investment, in all parts of the hydrogen supply chain," said Marshall.

The SA state government is now negotiating with shortlisted parties, aiming to finalise arrangements with partners to be announced in coming months, the premier said.

Around 62pc of SA's electricity came from renewable sources over the past 12 months and the state plans to achieve 100pc of electricity from renewables by 2030. SA also aims to be a net exporter of electricity to other states in eastern Australia with the development of the 800MW EnergyConnect electricity transmission link between SA and New South Wales (NSW).

SA plans to produce 500pc of current grid demand in renewable energy by 2050, which will include power used for producing hydrogen, and exporting power to neighbouring states.

SA is also in the process of legislating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target of a 50pc reduction by 2030 from 2005 levels.

In a separate announcement, Australian energy firm Global Energy Ventures said it plans to develop a hydrogen project on Tiwi Island, 80km north of Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory (NT). The project will be powered by up to 2,800 MW of renewable energy producing up to 100,000t/yr of green hydrogen for export to the Asia-Pacific region.

A final investment plan (FID) is planned for 2023 with the first hydrogen produced for 2026, Global Energy Ventures said. Last month, the NT government unveiled plans for a hydrogen hub in Darwin.

By Kevin Morrison