Australia’s renewable hydrogen sector has taken another significant step forward with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Spanish-based Solarig and major energy infrastructure company Jemena.
The collaboration aims to assess the feasibility and facilitate the supply of zero-carbon renewable hydrogen to gas users connected to Jemena’s network.
The MOU focuses on the development of hydrogen production and blending facilities in regional New South Wales (NSW).
Initially, up to 35 terajoules of renewable hydrogen per year will be injected into Jemena’s NSW gas distribution network.
If successful, both parties will work to further develop additional renewable hydrogen initiatives, positioning NSW as a prominent national and international hub for the emerging renewable hydrogen market.
Under the agreement, Jemena will undertake feasibility assessments for blending renewable hydrogen into the network, enabling its use by homes, businesses, and industrial customers downstream of the injection site.
Andrew Want, Solarig’s Australian Country Manager, emphasised the urgency of decarbonising gas and liquid fuels to support Australia’s transition to low-carbon energy, transport, and industry.
“Solarig in Australia is leading the development of green hydrogen infrastructure to support industries like transport, agriculture, and mining in their decarbonisation efforts,” he said.
Want highlighted Solarig’s focus on building infrastructure across regional Australia, where renewable energy resources and major industries are located.
This approach aims to provide long-term economic development and sustainable employment opportunities for regional communities, starting with NSW.
Jemena’s Managing Director, David Gillespie, acknowledged the importance of a diverse mix of renewable energy fuels to achieve Australia’s emission reduction targets.
“We are going to need a mix of renewable energy fuels to ensure Australia can reach net zero, while still delivering safe and reliable energy. Forming these types of relationships is essential to developing a robust renewable gas sector,” Gillespie stated.
The hydrogen produced by Solarig will be generated using 100 per cent renewable electricity from Solarig-developed generation projects or through the purchase of renewable energy.
Solarig, a global player in the energy transition, develops, finances, builds, and operates infrastructure for renewable energy.
With a portfolio of more than 20 GW of power projects in 12 countries, Solarig has a strong presence in Europe, Central and South America, Japan, and Australia.
The Solarig project in regional NSW is one of the first commercial renewable hydrogen facilities proposed for connection to the Jemena network.
Subject to meeting pre-feasibility requirements, it will be one of the first commercial renewable hydrogen blending projects in Australia.
For more information about the project, visit www.jemena.com.au or au.solarig.com.
