Hydrogen Brighton Project

November 22nd, 2023

Hydrogen Brighton Project

At up to 5 MW in scale, this project would supply renewables-based hydrogen to Hobart’s natural gas market (Tas Gas), along with mobility and industrial applications at Brighton as part of a circular economy project.

Main proponents:

Countrywide Hydrogen Pty Ltd

 Main end-use classification: 

Hydrogen in gas networks main use, with mobility and industrial uses

  Status:

Under development – a final investment decision is targeted for the first quarter of 2024

 Estimated cost:

AUD$60 million for power generation, hydrogen production and balance of plant
Other involvement:

 

 Production details:

Around 2.1 tonnes per day hydrogen production capacity based on electrolyser capacity of 5 megawatt (MW) with hydrogen refuelling onsite

 Location:

Tasmania, Australia

 Announced funding:

 

Project description

This project would be co-located with the planned Brighton Regional Resource Recovery Precinct (and adjacent to the Brighton Transport Hub) 27 kilometres north of Hobart, Tasmania.

Project scale is envisaged at 5 MW electrolyser capacity. The hydrogen would be produced with renewable power planned to be initially sourced from the State’s grid, with subsequent supply from behind-the-meter solar and power purchase agreements from wind, solar and hydro operators. Water would be supplied from TasWater’s network.

The main domestic offtake opportunities lie in mobility applications and blending hydrogen with natural gas in collaboration with Tas Gas, with future potential 100% hydrogen supply to local industry.

In support of the proposed mobility applications, the project would have refuelling station facilities that would be owned and operated by Countrywide Hydrogen under the company’s refuelling brand H2Co Energy.

A connection flange to the Tas Gas network is planned as part of the project, allowing the injection of hydrogen into the Tas Gas network and future supply to local industry.

In July 2023, ReNu Energy (the parent company of Countrywide Hydrogen) announced several milestone points in project progression:

  • Wood and Countrywide Hydrogen have completed the selection of the technology, preferred suppliers, basic design, and capital cost estimates for the project.
  • Plug Power Inc. has been selected as the supplier of a 5 MW PEM electrolyser, designed for up to 2,100 kilograms per day of hydrogen production.
  • Fabrum Solutions Limited has been selected as the supplier of the hydrogen refuelling station, comprising a refueller hub and hydrogen tube trailer storage system.
  • Wasco (Australia) Pty Ltd has been selected as the construction contractor to work with Fabrum on the construction and balance of works for the project.

In an end October 2023 update, the project proponent has indicated that the project is finalising front-end engineering design (FEED) and associated studies. Countrywide Hydrogen anticipates a final investment decision (FID) in the first quarter of 2024, subject to finalisation of FID requirements and project finance requirements. On this basis, commercial operations would be anticipated for the third quarter of 2025.

The electrolyser element of the project is designed to allow for the installation of a second 5 MW electrolyser if demand were to exceed two tonnes of hydrogen per day.

 

Updated: November 2023