Northam Solar Farm. Image supplied
South Korean giant Samsung C&T has thrown its weight behind the plans of Australian hydrogen hopeful Infinite Green Energy to develop and build what could be the nation’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen project in Western Australia.
Infinite Green Energy is working up plans to use its recent purchase of the 11MW Northam solar farm, east of Perth, to produce up to four tonnes a day of renewable hydrogen via electrolysis.
The Perth-based company, chaired by former Woodside CEO Peter Coleman, revealed this week that Samsung C&T was now a part of these plans, after signing an MoU to collaborate on delivering the green hydrogen project.
Coleman says the capital raising will allow it to progress the Northam project to final investment decision, including plans to expand the solar farm’s capacity to 18MW and connect a 10MW electrolyser and add a truck loading terminal.
The $110 million construction of the phase one of the so-called MEG HP1 project is targeted to be completed in 2024, with Infinite Green expected to close a $3 million capital raising this month to progress the project.
The Perth-based company behind the massive Arrowsmith renewable hydrogen project – also proposed for WA – bought the Northam solar farm from joint owners Indigenous Business Australia and Bookitja, a part of Noongar Property Holdings.
Using the power generated by the solar farm, the electrolyser is expected to produce up to four tonnes per day of renewable hydrogen for the medium and heavy transport industry, with production expected as early as the last quarter of 2024.
IGE CEO Stephen Gauld said this week that having Samsung C&T on board would help build the confidence of shareholders, partners and future customers.
“Hydrogen is expected to be the most cost-competitive, low-carbon solution for medium and heavy-duty transport, and Samsung C&T recognises the global opportunity and the environmental benefits,” Gauld said.
“MEG HP1 will enable WA to take a leadership position in the use of renewable hydrogen in transport, consistent with the objectives of the Western Australian Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy,” he said.
Samsung C&T revealed late last year that it was reviewing business models across various stages of the hydrogen value chain globally – the Northam project is the group’s first venture in Australia.
“We are committed to fast-tracking the energy transition, creating opportunities for people and businesses. Production of green hydrogen is a key component of that story,” said Samsung C&T vice president Andrew Ahn.
The deal includes commitments to advance detailed design of MEG HP1 and to achieve financial close on the project.
Samsung also has an MoU in place with Namhae Chemical and Korea Southern Power Co to import clean hydrogen, and is in a partnership to build and operate hydrogen refuelling stations for South Korea’s public bus fleets.
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