The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimate that 3% of the global energy demand is being met by hydrogen, similar to the annual energy consumption of Germany.
At the end of 2021, only 1% of hydrogen plants were producing renewable or ‘green' hydrogen – that is, the production was powered by a renewable energy source. Currently there is no way for consumers to know the difference between hydrogen produced with fossil fuels, or that which is produced with low carbon power sources, although a global certification project is underway to close this gap.
The Australian Government has set aside AU$2 billion to incentivise the production of renewable hydrogen in Australia (the Hydrogen Headstart program) and has been actively developing a Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme to measure, track and verify carbon emissions and other attributes of clean energy products.
Stanwell is driving the development of Queensland's hydrogen industry, particularly through the flagship Central Queensland Hydrogen Project.
Renewable or green hydrogen is produced from water using renewable energy via a process called electrolysis.
Electrolysis involves a strong electrical current being passed through purified water. The electric current splits the water into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen can be used immediately, but it can also be stored in tanks for later use. It can also be converted to liquid form.
When hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air, it generates heat energy which can power vehicles, ships and industrial facilities. It can also supplement the domestic natural gas supply and be fed through gas turbines to generate electricity.
Electrolysers – the devices that split water into hydrogen and oxygen – can ramp their production up and down to supplement the variable output of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Renewable hydrogen has the potential to change how we power our lives – and the stage is set for Queensland to be a major player in this emerging global industry.
24 June 2024
Here’s how Queensland is developing a world-leading renewable hydrogen industry, and how that could translate into significant job opportunities for Queenslanders.
20 June 2024
Stanwell’s multifaceted approach to hydrogen development, as outlined by Peter Goggin, Manager of Hydrogen Development, in a recent “Exploring Hydrogen” podcast, showcases how innovation and collaboration can pave the way for a sustainable future.
17 April 2024
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