BP study confirms large-scale production of green hydrogen

BP Australia has found that the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia using renewable energy is technically feasible at scale in Australia.

Following its study into the feasibility of an export-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Western Australia, the company believes WA is an ideal place to develop the project.

The feasibility study has provided BP with valuable insights into the potential for green hydrogen and green ammonia production which it will make publicly available as part of a knowledge sharing agreement with ARENA to help progress the development and use of green hydrogen energy.

The company will continue to work with key stakeholders to develop plans for integrated green hydrogen projects in Western Australia, working to define the technical and infrastructure solutions, customer demand and business models that would be required for a successful development.

BP president Frédéric Baudry said the company is putting its strategy in action by accelerating its position in low carbon technologies and providing end-to-end integrated energy solutions for our customers, including hydrogen.

“This study confirms the potential for scaled-up green hydrogen in Western Australia. This looks particularly promising in the mid-west of WA, which has existing infrastructure, access to land and abundant renewable energy resources such as wind and solar,” he said.

“Importantly, our study also confirmed strong demand from potential customers in the hard-to-abate sectors, and for both local and export markets. This has the potential to position Australia as a regional powerhouse of the energy transition.

 “I am confident this study will make a valuable contribution to the government’s strategy to accelerate emerging technologies, and I thank the government for its support.”

The study examined the hydrogen supply chain and domestic and export markets at two scales: a demonstration/pilot scale (4,000 tonnes of hydrogen making up to 20,000 tonnes of ammonia) and commercial scale (200,000 tonnes of hydrogen making up to 1 million tonnes of ammonia).

It also considered three different hydrogen production technologies, and the plant power source was modelled as a mix of solar and wind with some battery support. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said: BP’s analysis of the economic opportunity presented by renewable hydrogen will help Australia determine how it can be scaled-up to satisfy future demand. “The report represents a vital building block in our pathway to creating a fully integrated renewable hydrogen supply chain, allowing Australia to become leaders in a future export industry,” he said.

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