Green hydrogen plant proposed near solar farm west of Toowoomba
The State Government has unveiled plans for a collaboration with a Japanese company to create a new hydrogen plant west of Toowoomba.
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The Queensland Government has lined up a groundbreaking collaboration with a Japanese company to assess the feasibility of two renewable energy projects on the Western Downs.
CS Energy are collaborating with Japanese company IHI Corporation to assess the feasibility of establishing a renewable hydrogen demonstration plant next to the Kogan Creek Power Station on the Western Downs.
State Development Minister Steven Miles convened a meeting yesterday with the state’s economic minsters to discuss the future of hydrogen in the state.
“Renewable hydrogen offers the opportunity to create a new hi-tech industry delivering enhanced environmental outcomes and highly skilled jobs,” Mr Miles said.
“Positioning Queensland to benefit from the hydrogen industry is a priority for the Government. That’s why I called a meeting of Ministers today to discuss how we can leverage this new industry.
“Our commitment to develop and expand this industry is part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, creating jobs in new industries.”
The two companies involved will prepare a feasibility study into the Kogan Hydrogen Demonstration Plant concept, which includes the co-location of a solar farm, battery, hydrogen electrolyser and a hydrogen fuel cell at the Kogan Creek Power Station near Chinchilla.
CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said the demonstration project would be one of the few truly ‘green hydrogen’ projects in Australia.
The projects will focus on the hydrogen electrolyser being only powered by behind-the-metre solar energy.
“CS Energy is pursuing this project to ensure we have the technical capability to enter the hydrogen market once it becomes more commercially viable,” Mr Bills said.
“The project will prove up the virtual power plant, production of green hydrogen and use of a battery to facilitate renewables.
“The plant may also be able to provide other services like Frequency Control Ancillary Services, which are important for grid stability, and which will be scoped as part of the joint feasibility study.”
The Western Downs has earned itself a reputation as a powerhouse for renewable energy sources in Queensland, with the construction of projects like the Wandoan battery and Dulacca Windfarm.
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