Darwin Green Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Export Project
Darwin Green Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Export Project
The Darwin Green Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Export Project is a ‘commercial-demonstration’ International Joint Development Project (JDP) that aims to prove-up large-scale liquid hydrogen shipping and export 42,000 tonnes per annum of renewables-based liquid hydrogen to the Japanese transport sector by the first quarter of 2031.
| Main proponents:
LH2 Energy Pty Ltd |
Main end-use classification:
Export focus – Liquid hydrogen, supplemented by local domestic supply |
Status:
Under development |
Estimated cost:
US$1 billion + Project – commercial demonstration phase (including secondary distribution chain in Japan) |
| Other involvement:
Sun Cable |
Production details:
Commercial demonstration phase – 42,000 tonnes per annum of renewables-based liquid hydrogen to replace gasoline in the Japanese fuel cell vehicle market |
Location:
Northern Territory, Australia |
Announced funding:
Seed capital raising announced in July 2024 – see media report |
Project description
The Darwin Green Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Export Project is an ‘All-Seaborne’ “Floating LH2 Supply Chain” development that includes an export barge terminal in Darwin with electrolysis and liquefaction facilities on the topsides, with liquid hydrogen product stored in the hull.
A suitable protected site has been identified for the export barge at Channel Island close to the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct (MASDP) in Darwin. A large-scale 50,000 cubic metre liquid hydrogen tanker and a barge import terminal in Japan, completes the commercial scale ‘whole supply chain’ configuration.
LH2 Energy Pty Ltd was set up in 2020 to spearhead the Darwin Green Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Export Project and domestic hydrogen hub development.
The project proponent has indicated a Memorandum of Understanding/Letter of Intent for renewables-based power supply is in place with the Sun Cable solar/battery project, also in the Northern Territory.
The proponent has also indicated a Memorandum of Understanding/Letter of Intent offtake agreement is being progressed with Japanese Importers.
The Darwin Green Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Export Project also includes the development of a domestic hydrogen Hub in Darwin. The domestic hydrogen hub would be supported by long-term secure supplies of green liquid hydrogen from the export project, at pricing linked to transportation fuel pricing and envisages the construction of a multi-user fuel cell vehicle refuelling terminal, remote micro-grid applications, and small hydrogen gas turbine developments.
Future expansions of the Darwin Green Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Export Project are planned, potentially increasing total liquid hydrogen production capacity to 126,000 tonnes per annum.
Reviewed (reviewed by the project proponent): September 2024