PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Construction has started on the A$14.5-million Hydrogen Park (HyP) in Gladstone, which will be the first city-wide renewable hydrogen blending project in Australia.  

Construction of the project, being undertaken by Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), is supported by up to A$2.72-million from the Queensland government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.

When operational by early 2024, HyP Gladstone will supply nearly 800 homes and businesses in Gladstone and Barney Point with a blend of up to 10% renewable hydrogen in their gas supply with no changes needed to appliances, connections or customer bills.  

“Today marks another important step forward to our state’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse,” Deputy Premier of Queensland Steven Miles said.

“Queensland is leading the charge in growing the green hydrogen sector and our government is committed to driving all the opportunities that this brings. That’s why the government has committed more than A$165-million to support renewable energy and hydrogen-related industry development, including the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.

“Our regions are uniquely set up to support the shift to new, high-value industries like renewable hydrogen that will set Queensland up for prosperity for decades to come. With its port facilities, access to infrastructure and skilled workforce, Gladstone is positioned perfectly to tap into the renewables revolution.

“Earlier this year I released our Queensland New Industry Development Strategy, which aims to make this the state of opportunity in a decarbonising world. This project is a great example of how we are powering towards a cleaner and greener future and placing Queensland at the forefront of hydrogen production,” Miles said.

AGIG CEO Craig de Laine said that the importance of renewable gas, including hydrogen, was becoming clearer by the day.

“Customers, including our large industrial customers, are keen to access renewable gas options such as renewable hydrogen to help meet Safeguard targets and to deliver Queensland’s low carbon objectives more broadly.

“HyP Gladstone builds on AGIG’s experience in renewable hydrogen project development in Australia. As Australia’s first city-wide project, HyP Gladstone takes a leap forward in showcasing the low-carbon future of gas supply in Australia.”

“Importantly, renewable gases such as hydrogen can be delivered safely, reliably and at very little incremental cost through our world-class gas distribution network.”