By HARRY CLARKE
THE renewable hydrogen demonstration plant project underway at Kogan Creek has now become a joint venture.
Two Queensland power companies, Senex Energy and government owned generator CS Energy, announced an agreement for Senex to hold 25 precent equity in the project while CS Energy will retain 75 percent and remain as operator.
The $28.9 million hydrogen plant is being built at the site of CS Energy’s coal fired Kogan Creek Power Station, located about 20km south east of Chinchilla.
The project will include the co-location of a solar farm, battery, hydrogen electrolyser, hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen storage and out loading facility.
The demonstration plant’s hydrogen electrolyser will be powered by “behind-the-meter” solar energy, making it one of few “green” renewable hydrogen projects in Australia.
SLIDESHOW
CS Energy appointed Japanese firm IHI Engineering Australia to construct the demonstration plant. Construction started earlier this year and the plant is expected to be commissioned in 2023.
Senex Energy CEO Ian Davies said the company’s participation in the project was part of its push to supply reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.
“To ensure Queensland’s and Australia’s energy security, and reach net zero targets, we need all forms of energy to work together. The natural gas sector is the ideal partner for development of a renewable hydrogen industry and that’s why we’re investing in this project,” Mr Davies said.
“Producing new sources of energy requires strong co-operation between all stakeholders and Senex Energy looks forward to working with CS Energy and the Queensland Government to develop the capabilities required for the future energy system.”
CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said: “Senex Energy’s experience in the gas sector will be invaluable during the demonstration and as we evaluate future opportunities to increase renewable hydrogen production to commercial scale.”
“CS Energy is excited to welcome Senex Energy as our partner at this key point in the project as we move to the construction phase later this year,” he said.
“There is a strong strategic alignment between CS Energy and Senex Energy around the opportunities the energy transformation will bring, enabling us to explore partnerships on other projects.”
Minister for energy, renewables and hydrogen Mick de Brenni said: “Green hydrogen is key to diversifying our energy sector, building on our long-term energy know-how in regional Queensland and attracting significant international investment in job creating heavy manufacturing”.
“This green hydrogen will be used in the latest stop on our Hydrogen Superhighway established with New South Wales and Victoria and help develop Australia’s energy independence via the transport sector,” he said.