First batch of SA-made renewable hydrogen heads to Whyalla by tube trailer

The first shipment of renewable hydrogen from Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA) is set to depart this week on its way to Whyalla to be used in the production of high-purity argon.

Australian Gas Networks (AGN) – part of Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) – announced on Monday that HyP SA had begun supply of 100% renewable hydrogen to local industry via tube trailer.

A custom tube trailer will transport up to 370 kilograms of renewable hydrogen from HyP SA’s plant at the Tonsley Innovation District as part of a partnership between Australian Gas Networks and BOC.

The renewable hydrogen will be used in the production of high-purity argon which will then be supplied to the local Whyalla steelworks and local industry.

It is expected this first shipment is the first of weekly deliveries to the Steel City, replacing natural gas deliveries from Victoria and thus eliminating both costs associated with 117,000 kilometres in annual transport while also saving approximately 122,000 kilograms of carbon emissions per year.

“This initiative is a fantastic example of how electricity and gas infrastructure can work together to deliver a cleaner future,” said Craig de Laine, AGIG’s CEO.

“This new production source at HyP SA demonstrates the wider potential for this fuel and its ability to integrate into existing and future energy networks.

“We are working on our plans to deliver carbon-free, renewable hydrogen to our more than 450,000 customers that rely on gas in South Australia.”

Despite repeated objections concerning the long-term (or even short-term) validity and viability of hydrogen/natural gas blends as a replacement in homes, HyP SA has already begun supplying up to 50% blended renewable gas to more than 700 homes in Mitchell Park, and by the end of the year is expecting to increase that number to more than 3,000 homes in nearby suburbs.

In the medium-term, AGIG is aiming to deliver at least 10% renewable gas across its distribution networks by 2030 and has a target of 100% renewable gas by 2040, and by no later than 2050.

HyP SA will be a key part of South Australia’s growing hydrogen production industry, with the ability to produce approximately 175 tonnes of hydrogen each year – equal to the total gas use of around 1,500 South Australian homes (or tens of thousands of homes on a blended gas basis).

“Renewable hydrogen is a key part of our clean energy future, this exciting project is helping businesses push the frontiers of renewable hydrogen,” said Peter Malinauskas, South Australia’s Premier.

“The real-life application of this facility reinforces widening community recognition of hydrogen’s benefits.”