AUSTRALIAN Gas Networks has announced it has expanded its national hydrogen push into Queensland, with plans to establish a $4.2m hydrogen plant in Gladstone.
AGN is part of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group which is developing projects across four Australian States.
The Gladstone plant is to be Australia’s first renewable hydrogen production facility able to deliver up to 10% blended hydrogen across the city’s total 770 residential, small commercial and industrial customer base.
The project has attracted A$1.78m in grant funding from the Queensland Government’s $15m Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.
Gladstone is already home to Queensland and Australia’s east coast liquefied natural gas production, processing and export industry.
It is anticipated plant construction will start in November with commissioning by October 2021 with the plant becoming fully operational in December 2021.
Australian Gas Network chief executive Ben Wilson said they were proud to partner with the Queensland government on this ground breaking project.
“The project supports Gladstone’s vision to be a key hub for Queensland’s domestic and hydrogen export industry, just as it is for natural gas today,” Mr Wilson said.
“Queensland, and Australia as a whole, has the potential to be a renewable hydrogen superpower, with jobs and economic growth from supplying clean energy to regional and eventual metropolitan-wide markets.”
Mr Wilson said hydrogen offered benefits for transport.
“Domestically, zero-carbon hydrogen offers a pathway to zero emissions from our gas networks and also for transport, in particular, heavy haulage,” he said.
“AGIG is a leading player in this transition with hydrogen projects now underway in four Australian states, including SA, Victoria and Western Australia.” The Queensland government has set a target of 2030 to be an Australian leader in renewable hydrogen production.
