IN A DEAL aimed to reduce the environmental footprint of a large Queensland coal-fired power station, government owned operator CS Energy will collaborate with Japan’s IHI Corporation on a renewable hydrogen feasibility study.
The two companies will assess the feasibility of a renewable hydrogen demonstration plant next to the Kogan Creek Power Station, near Chinchilla on Queensland’s Western Downs.
The “Kogan Hydrogen Demonstration Plant” concept includes the co-location of a solar farm, battery, hydrogen electrolyser and a hydrogen fuel cell at Kogan Creek.
It’s the second announcement of a hydrogen collaboration between Queensland and Japanese energy companies in the space of three months, following Stanwell Corporation’s partnership with Iwatani Corporation in November 2020.
The collaboration is part of a $25 million investment by the Palaszczuck Government in the Queensland renewable hydrogen industry, state development minister and acting Premier Steven Miles said in a joint statment with renewables and hydrogen minister Mick De Brenni.
“Renewable hydrogen offers the opportunity to create a new high-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 Government’s Hydrogen Strategic Advisor, Professor Ian Mackinnon, provided a briefing to Government ministers on the hydrogen sector in early February.
CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said the demonstration project will focus on the hydrogen electrolyser being only powered by behind-the-meter solar energy, making it one of the few truly ‘green hydrogen’ projects in Australia.
“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.”
