Edify Energy lodges development application for hydrogen plant

One of Australia’s largest renewable energy developers is proceeding with plans for a green hydrogen plant in Townsville City Council’s Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.

One of Australia’s largest renewable energy developers is proceeding with plans for a green hydrogen plant in Townsville City Council’s Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.

Edify Energy has lodged a development application for the project which it says will be a pilot plant of 10 megawatts capacity but which could potentially develop over time into a large-scale 1GW facility.

It will be supported by a behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic facility with an initial capacity around 10MW DC, allowing for a 40MW capacity and potential battery storage capabilities.

“The pilot Hydrogen Plant will provide valuable leanings and represent a template to potentially further develop a large-scale operation,” the company’s application says.

“(A) behind-the-meter solar farm will utilise PV modules to generate a clean and renewable energy source that will be used to power the hydrogen plant.”

It says the initial project will generate about 100 construction jobs and six ongoing permanent jobs as well as indirect benefits to local businesses, contractors, and suppliers.

It is planned to be developed on a 63ha site on Bidwilli Rd, Calcium, which fronts the Bruce Highway about 46km south of Townsville and 6km south of Woodstock.

But the application says the final size and layout will be determined during detailed design studies.

“At this stage Edify would predict a hydrogen production plant with an approximate capacity up to 1GW,” the application says.

“It is expected expansions of the hydrogen plant will be completed in multiple stages and approval is sought for expansion of the facility in stages.”

The pilot development will involve an internal connection to the behind-the-meter solar farm but says Edify might consider connection to the electricity grid for emergency backup and supply.

Edify already has development approval for a solar power station at nearby Majors Creek which could also be developed as a future energy supply.

The application says the proposed development area represents an ideal location with cleared land adjacent to an easement corridor containing rail infrastructure and gas pipeline and will likely carry a future water pipeline connecting to the Haughton Water Pipeline Stage 2.

The water pipeline might deliver raw water directly to the hydrogen plant, while the gas pipeline could support a larger hydrogen production facility to enable supply of green hydrogen piped directly to the port.

The council is expected to take some months assessing the proposal.

Originally published as Edify Energy lodges development application for hydrogen plant