Australia’s renewable hydrogen sector has advanced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Spanish-based Solarig and leading energy infrastructure company Jemena.
This collaboration aims to assess the feasibility and facilitate the supply of zero-carbon renewable hydrogen to gas users connected to Jemena’s network, the company said in a news release.
The MOU outlines the development of hydrogen production and blending facilities in regional New South Wales, initially injecting up to 35 terajoules of renewable hydrogen per year into Jemena’s gas distribution network.
According to Jemena, success in this initial phase will lead to further renewable hydrogen initiatives, positioning New South Wales as a key hub in both the national and international renewable hydrogen market.
Under the agreement, Jemena will conduct feasibility assessments to blend renewable hydrogen into its network, enabling its use by homes, businesses, and industrial customers downstream of the injection site.
Andrew Want, Solarig’s Australian Country manager, highlighted the urgency of decarbonising gas and liquid fuels in 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,” said Want.
He emphasized Solarig’s focus on building infrastructure in regional Australia, leveraging renewable energy resources and supporting local industries, thereby providing economic development and sustainable employment opportunities.
Jemena’s Managing Director, David Gillespie, expressed Jemena’s commitment to supporting a renewable gas market and contributing to broader decarbonisation efforts.
“Australia is right in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to decarbonise our energy sector. But we know there is not one silver bullet that is going to help us reach our emission reduction targets,” said Gillespie.
Want added that the hydrogen will be produced using 100 per cent renewable electricity from Solarig’s generation projects or through the purchase of renewable energy.
Solarig, a global player in the energy transition, develops, finances, builds, and operates infrastructure, currently managing over 10 GW of photovoltaic assets and boasting a portfolio of more than 20 GW of power projects across 12 countries, including a strong presence in Europe, Central and South America, Japan, and Australia.
The Solarig project in regional NSW is set to be one of the first commercial renewable hydrogen facilities connected to the Jemena network.
If the pre-feasibility requirements are met, it will be one of Australia’s pioneering commercial renewable hydrogen blending projects.
