Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA) has commenced supply of 100 per cent renewable hydrogen to industry via tube trailer, the Australian Gas Networks (AGN) announced.
In a statement, AGN said the renewable hydrogen produced at Hyp SA would be transported to Whyalla to be used in the production of high-purity argon supplied to the Whyalla steelworks and local industry.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) CEO Craig de Laine, and BOC South Pacific Managing Director John Evans attended the launch at HyP SA.
“This initiative is a fantastic example of how electricity and gas infrastructure can work together to deliver a cleaner future. This new production source at HyP SA demonstrates the wider potential for this fuel and its ability to integrate into existing and future energy networks,” AGIG CEO Craig de Laine said.
As part of a collaboration between AGN and BOC, a BOC custom tube trailer will collect shipments of up to 370 kilograms of renewable gas from HyP SA at the Tonsley Innovation District.
“Renewable hydrogen is a key part of our clean energy future, this exciting project is helping businesses push the frontiers of renewable hydrogen. The real-life application of this facility reinforces widening community recognition of hydrogen’s benefits,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
The new Adelaide-based hydrogen supply chain will replace the current deliveries from Victoria to BOC’s SA customers, eliminating the costs associated with 117,000 kilometres in yearly transport and saving about 122,000 kilograms of carbon emissions annually.
“The green hydrogen will also be used for combustion in our Whyalla Argon Purification Unit which makes high purity argon used in industrial processes and welding gases. We’re proud to be partnering with AGIG and the South Australian Government to deliver this significant milestone for the HyP SA facility and demonstrate the immediate value that a green source of hydrogen can have on South Australian industry,” BOC South Pacific Managing Director John Evans said.
Additionally, AGIG expects weekly deliveries to the Steel City under an agreement establishing HyP SA as a hydrogen production hub.
AGN said over 700 homes in Mitchell Park started receiving up to 5 per cent blended renewable has in May 2021, and by the end of 2022, HyP SA will supply blended gas to over 3,000 homes in nearby suburbs.
The HyP SA facility can produce 175 tonnes of hydrogen annually, equivalent to the total gas consumption of approximately 1,500 SA households or tens of thousands of homes on a blended gas basis.
Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said HyP SA is the country’s largest electrolyser and the first to deliver a renewable hydrogen blend to customers on the existing gas network, putting SA at the forefront of the nation’s hydrogen economy.
AGIG aims to provide at least 10 per cent renewable gas across its distribution networks by 2030 and has a target of 100 per cent renewable gas by 2040 and by no later than 2050.
“South Australia continues its status as a leader in the emerging hydrogen industry, which will open new trade markets and opportunities, contributing to the state’s continued prosperity,” Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion stated.
