Climate Impact Corporation (CIC) has announced plans to develop two 10GW green hydrogen projects in central Australia using its proprietary renewable hydrogen production modular technology.
This innovative approach aims to overcome traditional challenges in renewable hydrogen production by utilising self-contained modules that operate entirely off-grid.
CIC’s modular hydrogen production units are designed to function independently, incorporating solar panels, atmospheric water generators, electrolysers, and supporting infrastructure.
This design allows for hydrogen production in locations with abundant solar radiation, opening up new possibilities for renewable fuel hubs in central Australia.
David Green, Chairman and Co-Founder of CIC, emphasised the significance of this approach in unlocking inland hydrogen production opportunities in solar-rich areas like the Northern Territory and South Australia.
He stated: “We’re looking to solve this challenge by creating modules that use Australia’s abundant solar resources, combined with proven atmospheric water generation technology.”
The company has made significant progress in its Australian projects, including:
- Partnering with GE Vernova to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen production modules
- Signing agreements with strategic partners such as JA Solar, Sungrow Hydrogen, and Shuangliang Hydrogen
- Securing offtake buyers for Australian-produced renewable hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives
- Opening its first project-related Australian office in Darwin
CIC’s 10GW projects would be the largest renewable hydrogen projects developed in Australia to date.
The company aims to begin manufacturing renewable hydrogen modules in Australia, with the first test modules expected to produce hydrogen in the Northern Territory or South Australia as early as later this year.
Green emphasised the growing demand for dependable, sustainable, and affordable renewable fuels in the Asia-Pacific region, positioning Australia as a potential regional hydrogen superpower.
He called on Australian governments to support this opportunity, stating: “We need Australian governments to lean in if we want Australia to lead in this technology instead of it being used in other countries first.”
CIC has been exploring the potential for a 10GW renewable hydrogen project in South Australia for over two years and recently met with key members of the South Australian government to discuss its plans.
The company is also considering local manufacturing of critical components, including electrolysers, potentially in Adelaide.
This innovative approach to renewable hydrogen production could significantly impact Australia’s position in the global renewable energy market, offering a solution to water scarcity challenges while leveraging the country’s abundant solar resources.
