The Western Australian government has announced a collaboration with ITM Power and Linde Engineering for a research initiative on hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing.
The $450,000 study seeks to develop a business case for the manufacturing of hydrogen electrolysers within the state. It would also identify the site, costs, and local demand needed to get upstream manufacturing underway.
It would also allow WA to better position itself in the supply chain for renewable hydrogen by clearly identifying opportunities around potential manufacturing capabilities.
“We look forward to working closely with the partnership of ITM Power and Linde Engineering in Australia to help WA lead the nation in renewable hydrogen component manufacturing,” said Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan.
Electrolysers are a primary component to produce renewable hydrogen using electrolysis, a chemical process that separates water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules using electricity.
The demand for electrolysers capacity will increase from 0.3 GW, according to global forecasts, with 850 GW expected by 2030, and nearly 3,600 GW by 2050.
Western Australians could have up to 100 GW of renewable hydrogen capacity in the state by 2030, the WA government said in a statement.
The demand for critical equipment such as electrolysers is expected to increase as the expansion of hydrogen production continues, opening up new opportunities for local advanced manufacturing industries.
“Developing WA’s advanced manufacturing capability to produce critical components for renewable hydrogen production just makes good sense – as it will increase the resilience of our future hydrogen supply chains,” MacTiernan said.
“Funding this feasibility study is the first step toward manufacturing components for renewable hydrogen within the State. We want to be part of the full technology story in hydrogen,” she added.
“Other industry players involved have been advised that they would also be welcome to seek partnerships with us in the future. We are keen to work with any company that wishes to invest in manufacturing in WA.”
