Charles Darwin University (CDU) will develop a pilot hydrogen generator, storage, and fuel-cell system located in Darwin, the first of its kind in the Northern Territory.
CDU’s Energy and Resources Institute (ERI) will operate the Hydrogen Energy Storage System (ESS) for industry partners, students, and researchers to further develop and commercialise hydrogen as an energy source.
ERI Director, Professor Suresh Thennadil, said a green hydrogen future for the Northern Territory would need comprehensive research and evaluation as well as the ability to train a workforce with appropriate skills required for sustaining a hydrogen industry.
“There is still a lot of work to do for the Northern Territory to become a hydrogen producer for a global energy market that is investing heavily in alternative fuels,” Dr Thennadil said.
“ERI, with its REMHART grid systems hub, is perfectly placed to help drive this renewable energy industry in the Northern Territory by bringing dedicated researchers and industry together to work through the challenges.”
Dr Thennadil said funding from the Federal Government is enabling ERI to develop a world-class Grid Testing Facility which fosters collaborations between CDU and industry in the Northern Territory through applied research projects and training programs.
Dr Thennadil said the hydrogen electrolyser and fuel cell system would expand our capabilities in renewable energy systems.
Hybrid Systems provides the electrolyser, hydrogen storage and fuel-cell system to be housed at the Renewable Energy Grid Testing Facility in East Arm Wharf, Darwin.
Hybrid Systems Executive Director, Mike Hall, said the system would create hydrogen fuel from fresh water and store the fuel at the test facility.
“We are delighted to work with CDU to adapt our proven and reliable ESS product for researchers to test the capability of creating renewable hydrogen and integrating electrolysers and fuel cells into the grid,” Mr Hall said.
Hybrid Systems Australia has its headquarters in Western Australia and provides on- and off-grid renewable energy services.
The Northern Territory Government announced in 2021 that it would invest in and support a renewable hydrogen industry in the Territory.
The Northern Territory Renewable Hydrogen Strategy stated that the government’s vision was for the Territory to be an international-scale renewable hydrogen technology research, production, and downstream manufacturing centre.
