Australian Gas Networks (AGN), a part of AGIG, has successfully concluded a two-decade-long endeavor to upgrade its gas infrastructure in Victoria.
With nearly $600 million invested in the AGN mains replacement program, spanning Melbourne’s CBD to various regions, the network now boasts world-class infrastructure that is not only among the safest but also prepared for the integration of 100% renewable hydrogen with minor incremental investment.
The primary goal of AGIG’s initiative is to facilitate a transition from traditional gas to renewable hydrogen. The comprehensive mains replacement program, driven by safety improvements, positions Melbourne as a hydrogen-ready city. AGIG CEO Craig de Laine emphasizes that this investment aligns with the community’s desire to adopt renewable gas in the future.
The infrastructure upgrades, involving the replacement of legacy steel and cast iron pipes with new polyethylene and protected-steel pipes, ensure fewer fugitive emissions and compatibility with delivering renewable hydrogen. The completion of the AGN mains replacement program signifies a crucial step towards establishing hydrogen-ready cities and demonstrates the feasibility of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
The investment in Hydrogen Park Murray Valley in Wodonga reflects AGIG’s commitment to delivering tangible results. Approximately 40,000 households, businesses, and industrial sites in the region are poised to receive hydrogen blends of up to 10% within 18 months. The HyHome project, a hydrogen-ready demonstration home in Melbourne, showcases the practicality of hydrogen technology in everyday living, powering appliances such as cooktops, heating, hot water, and BBQ.
