Australia – BP Australia announced the findings of its study into the feasibility of an export-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Western Australia. The study found that the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia using renewable energy is technically feasible at scale in Australia.
The Study’s findings also support BP’s conviction that, with its vast potential solar and wind resources, existing infrastructure and proximity to large, long-term markets, Western Australia is an ideal place to develop large scale renewable energy assets that can in turn produce green hydrogen and/or green ammonia for domestic and export markets.
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.
BP 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.
Three technologies
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 considered three different hydrogen production technologies, and the plant power source was modelled as a mix of solar and wind with some battery support. This renewable power modelling was completed by Lightsource BP.
The study highlighted that, depending on the location and scale, significant additional infrastructure investment would be required – particularly for port, electricity and water services. The study found that distribution could be customised to suit customer requirements, including gaseous or liquid hydrogen or ammonia via pipeline, truck, train or ship.
ROI
Economic returns were also explored, and it was found that for this to be effectively understood the renewable hydrogen and ammonia markets need to be further advanced. The study found that significant scale will be required for general hydrogen fuel use to be commercially viable.
