What is green hydrogen and why are we producing it in Queensland?
What is green hydrogen and why are we producing it in Queensland?
The green hydrogen revolution is coming to Queensland, here’s what you need to know.
Queensland, known for its stunning beaches and abundant sunshine, is at the forefront of a renewable energy revolution. One of the ways Queensland is leading the way is by focusing on the production of green hydrogen, especially in regional Queensland.
Let’s explore what green hydrogen is.
What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen, also known as renewable hydrogen, is a clean, sustainable-energy carrier that has the potential to reshape the way we power our world.
Green hydrogen is achieved when the process used to produce it does not produce any harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Green hydrogen can be extracted from water through a process called electrolysis that is powered by renewable energies such as wind or solar. Electrolysis involves using an electrical current to break down water molecules into their constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
Green hydrogen can also be produced from waste biomass where the process does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. There are many ways to produce hydrogen and colours are often used as a convenient way to describe these processes.
Why is Queensland focused on the production of green hydrogen?
The world is looking to decarbonise and Queensland is perfectly positioned to tap into the economic benefits of hydrogen production.
Queensland has an abundance of sunshine and favourable winds, providing the necessary clean electricity to power the electrolysis process. Queensland’s solar and wind energy are sometimes greater than the capacity of the transmission network, requiring operators to reduce their output to a level the grid can absorb. This excess renewable energy is called curtailed energy and can be used to produce green hydrogen making efficient use of these resources.
A lot of countries have plans to use hydrogen, but not every country has the resources to create enough to meet their needs. Australia, particularly Queensland, is in an advantageous position, with enough natural resources to make enough hydrogen to meet both our needs and future export.
Queensland already boasts the technical expertise to become a global leader in manufacturing of the advanced technologies for the hydrogen industry. In 2024, Fortescue officially opened its world-leading electrolyser manufacturing facility in Gladstone - one of the first globally to house an automated assembly line.
Managed well, green hydrogen will play an important part in our broader clean energy future and can help us reduce our reliance on imported fuels.
How will green hydrogen be used in Queensland?
Transport
One of the ways green hydrogen will be used in Queensland is in the transport sector.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are a zero-emission alternative to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.
In particular, renewable hydrogen is considered a viable option for heavy vehicles that require long ranges, shorter refuelling times and are weight constrained. The advantage of green hydrogen in transport is its ability to provide a long driving range and quick refuelling, similar to traditional vehicles.
HFCVs are also increasingly being used in public transport services, such as buses and even hydrogen-powered trains where the nature of the back to base operations minimise the need for investment in expensive hydrogen refuelling infrastructure during the early industry development stages.
Industrial processes
Queensland's industries are also embracing green hydrogen to reduce their carbon footprint. Industries such as mining, chemicals, and manufacturing rely on hydrogen for various processes. By switching to green hydrogen, these industries can significantly lower their emissions while maintaining their operations.
Renewable energy integration and storage
Green hydrogen facilitates the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the grid. Excess electricity generated during sunny or windy days can be used to produce green hydrogen, which can then be used during periods of low renewable energy generation or stored and converted back into electricity through fuel cells. This helps stabilize the grid and ensures a continuous power supply.
Opportunities for Queensland’s future
Queensland’s commitment to renewable energy development and government support for developing the hydrogen industry make it an attractive location for investors. As the industry develops, the cost of green hydrogen production is expected to decrease reducing the cost gap between hydrogen and fossil fuels and accelerating the adoption of low carbon hydrogen fuels.
Green hydrogen production and use in Queensland is a vital step toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. From transforming the transport sector to revolutionising industrial processes, green hydrogen is set to play a pivotal role in Queensland's transition to a greener, cleaner energy landscape.
The move to clean energy across the globe could create future jobs right here. Queensland is in an ideal position to benefit from job growth and economic opportunities from the move to clean energy. You can find out how your region will capitalise on the transition at www.qld.gov.au/wearethefuture.
Last updated: 26 Jul 2024