Perth-based Hazer Group is optimistic about the successful start-up of its commercial demonstration plant (CDP) to produce clean hydrogen from biomass in 2023.
The project, located at the Western Australian Water Board’s Woodman Point wastewater treatment plant, has encountered hurdles such as rising costs and equipment failures. However, recent progress in replacing key equipment has boosted confidence in meeting the project’s timelines. Supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the CDP aims to showcase Hazer’s technology at an industrial scale, paving the way for cost-effective clean hydrogen solutions in challenging sectors.
Hazer Group’s innovative technology allows the efficient conversion of natural gas, as well as similar feedstocks, into two valuable products: hydrogen and high-quality graphite. The process involves using iron ore as a catalyst to facilitate the transformation.
The road to realizing the commercial demonstration plant has been met with obstacles, including rising costs and equipment malfunctions. In 2022, a heat exchanger, a vital component of the process, encountered a failure, leading to delays and additional expenses. However, Hazer Group’s perseverance and determination have paid off, as they have addressed the challenges and made significant progress.
The company has made successful strides in replacing the faulty heat exchanger and hot reactor equipment. These replacements have undergone rigorous heat treatment and final fabrication, positioning them for delivery to the site in the coming months.
The latest developments have put Hazer Group on track to commence the second phase of ‘hot operations’ in 2023. The commissioning of the commercial demonstration plant is expected to take place in the third or fourth quarter of the same year.
Hazer Group’s commercial demonstration plant has received support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). This backing underscores the importance of the project in showcasing Hazer’s technology at a continuous, industrial scale. By demonstrating the technology’s viability, it becomes a stepping stone for future commercial deployments.
The successful start-up of Hazer Group’s commercial demonstration plant is crucial for advancing the hydrogen economy. Clean hydrogen has gained momentum as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, with applications in various sectors like transportation, manufacturing, and energy storage. By providing a low-cost solution for hard-to-abate sectors, Hazer’s technology can play a vital role in decarbonizing industries and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Hazer Group’s progress in overcoming challenges and aiming for a 2023 start-up of its commercial demonstration plant is a significant milestone in Australia’s journey towards a greener future. As the world seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources, clean hydrogen emerges as a promising solution. By showcasing the viability of their technology at an industrial scale, Hazer Group is contributing to the growth of the clean hydrogen economy, which holds the potential to transform energy landscapes and combat climate change.
