$1.5m has been awarded to Australian researchers developing a hydrogen pilot project in the Latrobe Valley, which is expected to change the way energy is produced both in Australia and across the globe.
The Hydrogen Production Evaluation Data Research Project will be undertaken by the Federation University in collaboration with Australian Carbon Innovation who will analyse the quality and performance of the pilot hydrogen plant currently under construction.
“Our work in analysing and evaluating the performance of the pilot plant will play a significant role in assessing whether hydrogen energy is a feasible economic path for Victoria,” said Federation University Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Engineering Research Group Director Thomas Baumgartl.
Through the project, the researchers will evaluate the scalability of hydrogen production as an alternative to the combustion of brown coal in a traditional boiler to produce energy.
Conversion of the coal to hydrogen, coupled with efficient carbon capture and storage will ensure that the hydrogen is low in greenhouse gas emissions and will complement intermittent renewable hydrogen.
Located at AGL’s Loy Yang facility, the pilot will be the first of its size globally, constructed to produce and transport clean hydrogen from the Latrobe Valley to Japan.
Valued at approximately $500m, the project is being delivered by a consortium of Japanese companies with the support of the Victorian Commonwealth and Japanese governments and AGL.
Federation University’s Carbon Technology Centre researchers will assess hydrogen samples, by-product composition, production efficiency and energy usage, as well as provide analysis of results to inform testing conditions and decision-making to develop an understanding of hydrogen production from brown coal.
“This agreement is recognition that regional centres of higher learning such as Federation University, are able to provide world class research services to international companies that will help Gippsland transition to sustainable and low emission fuels for the future,” said Australian Carbon Innovation CEO, Brian Davey.
The 10 largest coal producers and exporters in Indonesia:
- Indo Tambangraya Megah (ITMG)
- Bukit Asam (PTBA)
- Baramulti Sukses Sarana (BSSR)
- Harum Energy (HRUM)
- Adaro Energy (ADRO)
- Bumi Resources (BUMI)
- Mitrabara Adiperdana (MBAP)
- Samindo Resources (MYOH)
- United Tractors (UNTR)
- Berau Coal
Source: H2 View
