Parmelia Green Hydrogen Project
Parmelia Green Hydrogen Project
Pipeline conversion and other studies are assessing the viability of producing and transporting renewables-based hydrogen via a 43-kilometre section of APA’s Parmelia Gas Pipeline to WesCEF’s production facilities in Kwinana, Western Australia.
| Main proponents:
APA Group, Wesfarmers (Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers – WesCEF) |
Main end-use classification:
Industrial applications / chemical products |
Status:
Under development |
Estimated cost:
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| Other involvement:
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Production details:
Under evaluation |
Location:
Western Australia, Australia |
Announced funding:
AUD$300,000 – Western Australian Government Renewable Hydrogen Fund (second round award) |
Project description
This project involves pipeline conversion (to 100% hydrogen carriage) studies being undertaken by APA and broader studies being undertaken by APA and WesCEF examining hydrogen production and transportation supply chain aspects.
In 2021, APA commenced research to test the ability of a 43-kilometre southern section of the Parmelia Gas Pipeline (PGP) to carry up to 100 per cent hydrogen. These initial (Phase One) test results indicated that the pipeline would be suitable for 100 per cent hydrogen service without any requirement to reduce the operating pressure of the pipeline.
As part of Phase Two testing, a Technical Feasibility Study, supported by a AUD$300,000 grant from the second round of awards under the Western Australian Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Fund, has been completed and involved testing the pipeline material in a gaseous hydrogen environment and comparing the pipeline material performance against Phase One results and international research.
The Technical Feasibility Study indicated that it is “…technically feasible, safe and efficient to run the section of pipeline at current operating pressure using hydrogen.”
APA is progressing the PGP hydrogen conversion activities into Phase Three activities (akin to FEED studies) which will consider preparing the section of pipeline for hydrogen service, and will include detailed safety studies and conversion plans, while continuing to investigate potential supply and offtake opportunities as part of the broader Parmelia Green Hydrogen Project.
To progress the broader Project, in early May 2022, the APA Group and WesCEF executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake studies to assess the viability to produce and transport renewables-based hydrogen via a section of APA’s Parmelia Gas Pipeline.
Under the MoU, a jointly funded pre-feasibility study assessed the viability of producing renewables-based hydrogen and transporting this hydrogen to WesCEF’s production facilities in the Kwinana industrial area via the southern section of the Parmelia Gas Pipeline. The WesCEF production facilities in Kwinana produce and distribute products for the agricultural, mining, construction and manufacturing industries and energy for households.
The pre-feasibility findings are considered promising, with the results demonstrating that the Parmelia Gas Pipeline study area is likely to be suitable for green hydrogen development. APA and WesCEF are now considering whether to progress the production/offtake activities to a feasibility study.
Updated: July 2023