A new trial could see NSW homes powered by gas produced from renewable energy.
Gas distribution company Jemena has announced a $15 million partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to convert wind and solar energy into hydrogen gas. The fuel will feed in to Jemena’s NSW gas network.
ARENA has provided $7.5 million in funding to the $15 million H2GO project.
The H2GO project will see a 500 kW electrolyser built in western Sydney using excess renewable energy to split water and generate “green gas”.
It aims to demonstrate how existing gas pipeline technology can store excess renewable energy, such as rooftop solar power, over weeks and months.
Trial could see gas networks provide backup power
Hydrogen gas is carbon neutral and produces water when used as a fuel source. Hydrogen is also a flexible fuel. It can directly power EVs, used for export, or converted back into electricity.
Once complete, the pilot plant will produce enough hydrogen to power 250 homes. However, Jemena MD Frank Tudor said once the project is scaled up, it will have the storage capacity equivalent of 8 million Tesla Powerwall batteries.
This is without additional investment in the pipeline and gas storage network.
Tudor said Jemena’s Project H2GO lays the foundations for a renewable energy grid based on Australia’s solar and wind resources.
“Australia has established solar and wind powered industries,” Tudor said. “This trial will leverage off this as we develop a hydrogen industry.”
Green gas trial to support hydrogen refuelling station
Jemena also plans to install a refuelling station for hydrogen vehicles at its western-Sydney test site.
If successful, the gas produced from renewable energy trial could then expand across Australia.
Gas produced from renewable energy can power vehicles
A recent breakthrough in membrane technology allowed CSIRO scientists to successfully refuel and drive two hydrogen-powered cars.
The technology means bulk hydrogen can be shipped long distances in the form of ammonia. Once it reaches its destination the special CSIRO membrane converts it back into hydrogen cheaply and easily.
The breakthrough is a “game changer” that could see Australia exporting sunshine and wind overseas.
In a statement, Jemena said Sydney homes and businesses could be using hydrogen gas for energy “in about five years”.
