NT trials territory’s first hydrogen energy storage system

The Northern Territory is preparing to trial its first hydrogen energy storage system – including a hydrogen generator, 8kWh of storage and fuel-cell system – in partnership with the Charles Darwin University (CDU) in Darwin.

The hydrogen energy storage system (HESS) will be operated by the CDU’s Energy and Resources Institute (ERI) for industry partners, students and researchers, to further develop and commercialise hydrogen as an energy source.

The Northern Territory is one of several Australian states and territories positioning itself to be a hydrogen player as part of its larger aspirational target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

According to the Territory government’s own website, “The Territory is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the developing hydrogen industry and aspires to be an international scale renewable hydrogen technology research, production and downstream manufacturing centre.”

Such a future hydrogen industry would need comprehensive research and evaluation, according to CDU’s ERI director, Professor Suresh Thennadil, as well as a trained workforce with the appropriate skills.

“There is still a lot of work to do for the NT to become a hydrogen producer for a global energy market that is investing heavily in alternative fuels,” Professor Thennadil said.

“ERI, with its REMHART grid systems hub, is perfectly placed to help drive this renewable energy industry in the NT by bringing dedicated researchers and industry together to work through the challenges.”

The 5kW fuel cell with 8kWh HESS will be delivered by Pacific Energy Group’s integrated renewables subsidiary, Hybrid Systems Australia.

“We are delighted to work with Charles Darwin University to adapt our proven and reliable SPS product for the students to test the capability of creating renewable hydrogen and integrating electrolysers and fuel-cells into the grid,” said Mike Hall, Hybrid Systems executive director.

“The HESS will convert power from the university’s Renewable Energy Grid Testing Facility into renewable hydrogen, which will be stored and then used to generate power.”