The Northern Territory’s first pilot hydrogen generating, storage, and fuel-cell system will be developed by Charles Darwin University (CDU) in Darwin.
The Hydrogen Energy Storage System (ESS) will be operated by CDU’s Energy and Resources Institute (ERI) for industrial partners, students, and researchers to further develop and commercialize hydrogen as an energy source.
Professor Suresh Thennadil, director of the Environmental Research Institute (ERI), stated that a green hydrogen future for the Northern Territory will require extensive research and evaluation, as well as the ability to develop a workforce with the necessary skills to support a hydrogen economy.
Dr. Thennadil stated, “There is still more work to be done for the Northern Territory to become a hydrogen producer for a global energy market that is significantly investing in alternative fuels.”
“ERI’s REMHART grid systems centre is ideally positioned to assist advance the renewable energy economy in the Northern Territory by bringing together researchers and business to address the problems.”
Federal funding, according to Dr. Thennadil, enables ERI to create a world-class Grid Testing Facility that promotes cooperation between CDU and industry in the Northern Territory through practical research projects and training.
Dr. Thennadil stated that the hydrogen electrolyzer and fuel cell technology would increase our renewable energy system capabilities.
Electrolyser, hydrogen storage, and fuel-cell system for the Renewable Energy Grid Testing Facility at East Arm Wharf, Darwin.
Mike Hall, executive director of Hybrid Systems, stated that the device will produce hydrogen fuel from fresh water and store it at the test facility.
Mr. Hall stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with CDU to adapt our proven and dependable ESS product so that researchers can test the capacity of producing renewable hydrogen and integrating electrolysers and fuel cells into the grid.”
Hybrid Systems Australia delivers both on-grid and off-grid renewable energy services from its Western Australia headquarters.
In 2021, the government of the Northern Territory declared that it would invest in and develop a renewable hydrogen sector in the territory.
The Northern Territory Renewable Hydrogen Strategy outlined the government’s aim for the Territory to become an international research, production, and downstream manufacturing hub for renewable hydrogen technology.
