Tonsley key as SA positions itself as a hydrogen-producing powerhouse

South Australia is set to become a leading producer of hydrogen benefiting our economy and green energy future.

Green future: Tonsley’s hydrogen plant.

South Australia is leading the nation towards a greener future with the introduction of the Hydrogen Park development at the Tonsley innovation district.

With the potential to be one of the state’s greatest exports, hydrogen can be developed using renewable electricity and water.

While the simple process can be completed in a space not much bigger than the average backyard shed, the finished product is set to have a huge impact on environment.

“Renewable gases such as hydrogen can be used in the same way as natural gas is today, but do not result in any additional carbon emissions to the atmosphere,” says Owen Sharpe, acting head of strategy and innovation at the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group.

Tonsley’s hydrogen plant – while the creation of hydrogen can be completed in a space not much bigger than the average backyard shed, the finished product is set to have a huge impact on environment.

Hydrogen is also an integral part of the South Australian Government’s plan for SA’s renewable energy future.

“The plan will deliver a variety of outcomes for South Australia, including lower electricity prices for business and industry (and) thousands of new jobs for South Australians,” says Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis.

Affordability is a major benefit to the introduction of hydrogen as the process is 50 per cent cheaper than other decarbonisation options, benefitting customers.

The Australian Gas Infrastructure Group is hoping to see a full conversion to renewable gas by 2050.

While this energy concept can seem futuristic, hydrogen use within the home is already a reality for some Adelaide residents.

“Hydrogen is blended with natural gas … and supplied to 700 nearby homes in Mitchell Park via the existing gas network,” Sharpe says.

Sharpe says AGIG is hoping to see a full conversion to renewable gas by 2050.

“We are pursuing more projects, aiming to blend 10 per cent renewable hydrogen in South Australia and across other regions we serve before 100 per cent conversion.”

With its abundance of water and wind, South Australia is perfectly placed to be a hydrogen producing powerhouse.

On a particularly sunny or windy day the energy can be easily stored and used within the decarbonisation process.

“The $14.5 million Hydrogen Park SA project is aligned with the state’s vision to leverage its wind, sun, land, infrastructure and skills to be a world-class hydrogen supplier,” Sharpe says.