Consortium to start feasibility study of hydrogen export project in Queensland

An expanded consortium will start a AUD-10.4-million (USD 7.6m/EUR 6.5m) feasibility study into a large-scale renewable hydrogen project in Central Queensland that will export to Japan.

The Queensland government-owned electricity generator Stanwell Corp Ltd today said four new members have joined its partnership with Japan’s largest hydrogen supplier Iwatani Corp (TYO:8088) that is developing the project. These include three companies from Japan -- Kawasaki Heavy Industries (TYO:7012), Kansai Electric Power Co (TYO:9503) and Marubeni Corp (TYO:8002), -- and Australian energy infrastructure company APA Group (ASX:APA).

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) today announced up to AUD 2.17 million in funding towards the feasibility study. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is also supporting the study.

Stanwell in June secured land for the scheme at Aldoga near Gladstone. The project is planned to start exporting hydrogen to Japan, as well as supplying the local industry, by 2026 and to grow to over 3,000 MW of electrolysis capacity by the early 2030s. Hydrogen would be shipped in liquid form via liquid hydrogen shipping vessels.

If the feasibility study is successful, the consortium will complete a front end engineering design phase and will target a final investment decision in 2022.

“Stanwell’s study presents a significant opportunity to accelerate the development of export opportunities for renewable hydrogen in Australia and to work with a highly credible consortium from Japan that has the potential to deliver a large scale export project,” said ARENA chief executive Darren Miller.

Australia is seen to be well placed to produce and export renewable hydrogen due to its renewable energy resources, proximity to Asian markets and existing energy exports infrastructure.

(AUD 1 = USD 0.733/EUR 0.621)

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