- Queensland Government has invested $1.7m into local hydrogen industry
- Project seven months ahead of schedule
- Has secured a deal with Sumitomo - a large Japanese investment firm
The proposed hydrogen plant is set to make Gladstone a renewable hydrogen superpower.
The hydrogen will power houses, industry and backyard BBQs.
Upon completion, the Hydrogen Park Gladstone project will be the first in the country to blend renewable hydrogen across a city gas network for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
Mick de Brenni, the Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, said the Queensland Government has invested more than $1.7 million to drive the local hydrogen industry forward.
“I understand the project is off to a great start, with the first major milestone – procurement of the plant’s 175kW electrolyser – accomplished several months ahead of schedule,” said Mr de Brenni.
“Last month, I inspected the potential site in South Gladstone with representatives of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), who have informed me that they’ve finalised their detailed engineering and design and the project is full steam ahead.”
Ben Wilson, AGIG CEO, said the projects next steps include securing the site and doing a Development Application before appointing partners for the construction.
Mr Wilson said he is proud of the ground-breaking project, which is in partnership with the Queensland Government.
“Starting with our gas networks, this $4.2 million 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,” said Mr Wilson.
The Hydrogen Park has secured the H2-Hub and signed an agreement with Sumitomo – a large 101-year-old diversified Japanese company – making Gladstone the forefront of the Australian hydrogen industry.
It will be the first renewable hydrogen production facility to deliver 10% of renewable hydrogen blended with natural gas through our existing gas network.
Yesterday, Mr de Drenni, AGIG representatives joined many Queensland champions of hydrogen and a host of MPS at a hydrogen-powered BBQ to showcase the everyday use of hydrogen.
Barry O’Rourke, a central Queensland Hydrogen Champion, said the BBQ was the first of its type nationally and eventually believes this will be commonplace in the future.
“BBQs like this could one day be in every Queenslander’s backyard, but first, we need to establish the renewable hydrogen supply to power them,” said Mr O’Rourke
“The Gladstone hydrogen park project certainly helps us chart that course.”
