A proposed green hydrogen project supplying Tasmania’s industry, gas users, public transport and trucking sectors is now one step closer, with developer Countrywide Renewable Hydrogen (CRH) identifying a site and entering into an option to lease land for the project.

CRH – a subsidiary of ReNu Energy Limited – is completing the design of its Hydrogen Tasmania Brighton Project, a green hydrogen electrolysis production facility on land adjacent to the Brighton Transport Hub near Hobart.

Expected to be producing hydrogen in early 2024 (subject to final investment decision), CRH is modelling the generation of 1-2MW, or 430-900kg H2/day from the project to meet anticipated demand from natural gas customers, road transport operators and users of diesel.

Initial potential users of hydrogen produced by the Project include gas customers in and around Hobart, industry at Brighton and hydrogen powered trucks and buses.

CRH Managing Director Geoffrey Drucker said the Project would help prove the case for hydrogen-powered transport and make a real contribution to the Tasmanian Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2030.

“CRH shares the Tasmanian Government’s vision for a state powered entirely by renewables. Tasmania is uniquely positioned to lead the way for the world on transforming energy systems as well as producing hydrogen for a wide range of uses,” he said.

“CRH is in advanced discussions with Tas Gas to blend hydrogen into Hobart’s network to decarbonise its natural gas and supply hydrogen to industries around Brighton either in a natural gas blend or as 100% hydrogen, a first for Australia.

Mr Drucker said CRH was in discussions with Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) to make sure its domestic hydrogen supply plans support the Government’s vision for Tasmania’s energy transformation, attracting new investment and creating new jobs in the renewable energy economy.

CRH has also entered into a Term Sheet with local contractor Bullock Civil Contracting (BCC) that incorporates the development of a renewable energy generation source on the site as part of a bigger picture project – the Brighton Regional Resource Recovery Precinct.

To that end, Tasmanian engineering consultancy Entura, has been engaged by CRH and BCC to undertake a pre-feasibility study on behind the meter power generation.