ReNu Energy is finishing the design of a green hydrogen electrolysis production facility, the Hydrogen Tasmania Brighton Project (the Project), which will be constructed 30 minutes north of Hobart.
The Project will be sponsored by ReNu Energy and developed by its wholly-owned subsidiary Countrywide Renewable Hydrogen with the objective of achieving early hydrogen generation to promote industry expansion (CRH). CRH has agreed to a term sheet and completed an option to lease land from Bullock Property Developments, and is currently negotiating the delivery of an electrolyser.
The term sheet and option to lease establish the strategic framework for the parties to negotiate the lease’s commercial terms and transform them into definitive arrangements as the Project progresses.
Countrywide Renewable Hydrogen Managing Director, Geoffrey Drucker said: The Brighton Hydrogen Project may prove to be the first mover in commercial production of green hydrogen by electrolysis in Tasmania. Associated gas blending and road transport trials will help to build public awareness and acceptance of hydrogen, while proven production is expected to attract further end use applications to enhance emissions reduction priorities in the state. The project will create local jobs and can support the delivery of skills-enhanced personnel to service the fuel cell electric vehicles and gas sectors, along with the storage, transport and handling of hydrogen.
The Project will be designed with a capacity of up to 2MW, or 900kg H2/day, to meet anticipated hydrogen demand. The Project will permit truck refueling and have the capacity to serve the TasGas Network Bridgewater city gate for potential blending with natural gas.
It will be located near to the Brighton Transport Hub. Discussions on this prospect are well advanced. The Project will also be able to meet the growing need for a zero-carbon gas alternative in the Brighton area, with the possibility to supply carbon-free hydrogen to industry in lieu of natural gas. The availability of green hydrogen will enable Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) manufacturers to establish vehicle capability on key routes, gas transporters to offer customers a decarbonization option, and transport operators and their customers to have emission-free hydrogen fuel supplied for trial activities while demonstrating FCEV viability.
The scope of the Project will include the acquisition and installation of an electrolyser, grid and water connection, and the production of green hydrogen. Depending on partnership and offtake arrangements, the Project may include gas transport and blending to the Tas Gas network; hydrogen supply and refueling for Metro Tas’ FCEV bus trial; demonstration trucking on key S/N/W freight routes; establishment of refueling facilities at the Brighton Transport Hub; and hydrogen supply to industrial gas customers in the Brighton region.
The Project is anticipated to go live in the fourth quarter of 2023, pending clearances and the completion of commercial negotiations. It is anticipated that CRH, an identified partner, Bullock Civil, and the Tasmanian Government will collaborate on the Project. There is potential for extra investment to offer behind-the-meter power via a solar farm placed to the north of the land parcel identified jointly with Bullock Civil in order to reduce the cost of electricity for the project. Entura, a Tasmanian engineering firm, has been hired to do a preliminary feasibility study on behind-the-meter power generating.
ReNu Energy CEO Greg Watson said: With all the capabilities this project can provide, corporates can have access to a zero-emission alternative for supply chain logistics. The Project complements advanced discussions with potential off takers and partners to progress the planned 5-10MW Tasmanian green hydrogen project located in the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone
