Early site works have commenced at Australian Gas Networks’ (AGN) Hydrogen Park SA, an innovative energy project that will produce renewable hydrogen gas.
Based at the Tonsley Innovation District in metropolitan Adelaide, HyP SA is an $11.4 million demonstration project delivered and funded by AGN, supported by a $4.9 million grant from the South Australian Government.
Featuring a 1.25 MW Siemens proton exchange membrane electrolyser, the largest of its kind installed in Australia, HyP SA will supply more than 700 properties in the nearby suburb of Mitchell Park with a blend of 5% renewable hydrogen in natural gas, delivered through the existing gas network.
Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the project will demonstrate the feasibility of blending hydrogen into the South Australian gas network and inform the South Australian Government’s planning to transition the gas distribution network.
“Hydrogen is a fuel of the future and the installation of a 1.25 megawatt electrolyser, the largest of its kind in Australia, at the Tonsley Innovation District puts South Australia at the head of pack striving to unlock its commercial potential,” the Minister said.
“Producing a clean burning gas like renewable hydrogen supports Energy Networks Australia’s plan to advance gas networks towards net-zero emissions by 2050.”
He said South Australia had the potential to to not only produce and consume 100% green hydrogen but to export it to countries which have committed to creating a hydrogen-based economy.
“Exporting hydrogen made from South Australia’s abundant sun and wind resources presents a significant economic opportunity for our state and we are working towards creating this new industry,” Mr van Holst Pellekaan concluded.
Hydrogen production at the facility is scheduled to start in mid-2020.
Image credit: https://www.agig.com.au/
