Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) has announced the commencement of construction on Hydrogen Park (HyP) Gladstone, Australia’s first city-wide renewable hydrogen blending project.
Construction of HyP Gladstone, which is supported by up to $2.72 million from the Queensland Government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, marks an important milestone in further fostering the hydrogen economy in the state.
When operational, by early 2024, HyP Gladstone will supply nearly 800 homes and businesses in Gladstone and Barney Point with a blend of up to ten per cent renewable, carbon-free hydrogen in their gas supply with no changes needed to appliances, connections or customer bills.
AGIG CEO, Craig de Laine, said that the importance of renewable gas, including hydrogen, is becoming clearer by the day.
“Customers, including our large industrial customers, are keen to access renewable gas options such as hydrogen to help meet Safeguard targets and to deliver Queensland’s low carbon objectives more broadly,” Mr de Laine said.
“HyP Gladstone builds on AGIG’s experience in renewable hydrogen project development in Australia. As Australia’s first city-wide project, HyP Gladstone takes a leap forward in showcasing the low-carbon future of gas supply in Australia.
“Importantly, renewable gases such as hydrogen can be delivered safely, reliably and at very little incremental cost through our world-class gas distribution network.”
Mr de Laine said that AGIG is focussed on delivering its vision to provide renewable gas to its customers across Australia, including in Queensland.
“This includes providing at least ten per cent renewable gas by 2030 and 100 per cent renewable gas by no later than 2050.
“We appreciate the Queensland Government’s ongoing support of HyP Gladstone, and the broader actions they are taking to develop a hydrogen industry in the state. Queensland is very well placed to benefit from this new low-carbon industry and the jobs it will create, including in regions such as Gladstone.
“Initiatives like the Queensland Government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and the landmark Hydrogen Industry Development Amendment Bill recently introduced to parliament are important parts of enabling greater investment in hydrogen and renewable gas infrastructure.”
Deputy Premier of Queensland, Steven Miles, said that Queensland is leading the charge in growing the green hydrogen sector and that the government is committed to driving all the opportunities that this brings.
“That’s why the Queensland Government has committed more than $165 million to support renewable energy and hydrogen-related industry development, including the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund,” Mr Miles said.
“Our regions are uniquely set up to support the shift to new, high-value industries like renewable hydrogen that will set Queensland up for prosperity for decades to come.
“With its port facilities, access to infrastructure and skilled workforce, Gladstone is positioned perfectly to tap into the renewables revolution.
“Earlier this year I released our Queensland New Industry Development Strategy, which aims to make this the state of opportunity in a decarbonising world.
“This project is a great example of how we are powering towards a cleaner and greener future and placing Queensland at the forefront of hydrogen production.”
