Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) has announced its participation in the South Australia green cement transition project, aiming to contribute to carbon neutrality in the cement industry through the production of green hydrogen.
In a significant step towards this goal, KHNP has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a hydrogen business cooperation statement with the Department for Energy and Mining of the Government of South Australia. The collaboration focuses on the production of green hydrogen specifically for manufacturing green cement.
The signing ceremony witnessed the participation of representatives from the Government of South Australia, Elecseed, and Hallett Group. Elecseed is an Australian-based company specializing in renewable and green hydrogen project development, while Hallett Group is a manufacturer of construction materials, including cement. The Hallett Group has received substantial funding of around $13.1 million from the central government to facilitate the green cement transition project.
Conventional cement production heavily relies on fossil fuels such as coal or waste materials, resulting in substantial carbon emissions. In contrast, green cement is manufactured using hydrogen generated from solar power plants and electrolysis facilities. This innovative production process significantly reduces carbon emissions, and any surplus hydrogen can be sold to nearby hydrogen refueling stations, supporting the growth of the hydrogen economy.
The collaborative agreement establishes a strategic partnership among the participating companies for the production and trade of hydrogen and related products. The long-term vision includes fostering a globally competitive hydrogen export industry. Additionally, the parties involved are committed to activating the future hydrogen industry in the South Australia region and developing the domestic hydrogen market in Australia in the near term.
As part of their cooperation, the companies will conduct a joint feasibility study to explore the supply of green hydrogen to the South Australia green cement transition project. This study will assess the technical and economic viability of utilizing green hydrogen in the production of green cement, further promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the cement industry.
The participation of KHNP in the South Australia green cement transition project signifies a crucial advancement towards achieving carbon neutrality in the cement sector. By leveraging the potential of green hydrogen as an eco-friendly alternative, this collaboration has the power to transform the industry and drive a more sustainable future.