A PILOT plant that enables vessels to safely store and transport hydrogen has been launched in Western Australia.
WA energy minister Amber-Jade Sanderson opened the Hydrilyte Technology Pilot Plant operated by WA company Carbon280 in Kwinana.
It claims to be able to offer the prospect of safe, scalable hydrogen transportation at atmospheric temperature and pressure.
The patented Hydrilyte Technology uses a metal hydride suspended in a light mineral oil with a process that locks the hydrogen in a solid state within the liquid.
A government media release said the Hydrilyte and the hydrogen can be stored indefinitely without loss, with the process being reversed to unlock the hydrogen.
“As a safe, pumpable liquid, the hydrogen-containing Hydrilyte can be stored and transported using existing liquid fuels infrastructure, including pipelines, tankers and ships,” the release said.
“Hydrilyte has the potential to lower costs and increase safety for a wide range of hydrogen users, including the manufacture of green iron and steel, which is of strategic importance to WA.
“Hydrilyte's ability to separate hydrogen from helium and store the hydrogen ready for transport also gives it the potential to advance natural hydrogen projects in Australia and globally.
“More broadly, the technology has the potential to deliver a hydrogen transportation method that costs less, and is inherently safe and energy efficient but scalable.”
Investors in the pilot plant include Woodside Energy and Hive Energy, a UK-headquartered renewable energy, green hydrogen and green ammonia developer.
Ms Sanderson said the development supports advanced manufacturing, economic diversification and the creation of skilled jobs in Western Australia.
"With its focus on improving the cost competitiveness of the hydrogen supply chain, Carbon280's technology has the potential to have a significant impact on the hydrogen industry in Australia and across the globe," she said.