Hadean Energy secured A$15 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to build a pilot green hydrogen plant in Victoria. The clean technology company will operate the plant at a production site and supply hydrogen to a neighboring steelmaking facility. The project will test whether the equipment can cut emissions in steel production.
Pilot funding
The full pilot project is valued at A$30 million. Hadean will demonstrate the hydrogen equipment in an industrial setting. The project will also build local skills and supply chains.
How it works
The solid oxide electrolysis technology was developed by CSIRO. It splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. By using waste heat from industrial processes, it can require up to 30% less electricity than conventional electrolyzers.
Industrial uses
Renewable hydrogen can help cut emissions in fertilizer manufacturing, alumina, and iron production. It may also support heavy transport. Hadean will test the hydrogen output at a steelmaking site.
Hadean will now build and operate the Western Port pilot in Victoria. The project is meant to move the technology toward commercial use. The company will test the hydrogen at the neighboring steelmaking site.