A cutting-edge renewable hydrogen generator has recently been installed in Neerim North, located 120 km east of Melbourne. This state-of-the-art generator is part of a pilot project aimed at providing backup power to telecommunications towers during outages. Energys Australia, a Victorian-based hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, has partnered with Telstra for this $1.1 million initiative.
Equipped with a 10 kW renewable hydrogen generator, the system is designed to ensure a minimum 72-hour running capacity for the Telstra mobile tower in case of a disability. Energys Australia sources the hydrogen for their generators from undisclosed locations in Victoria.
The project is aligned with Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap, which emphasizes the role of renewable hydrogen in strengthening energy resilience during the ongoing energy transition. By employing renewable hydrogen as an alternative energy source, Telstra aims to enhance the continuity of its services, particularly during extreme weather events.
Vicki Romanovski, the Telstra Integrated Network, Facilities, and Environment Executive, emphasizes the importance of renewable hydrogen as an energy option. She believes this pilot project will help determine the future role of hydrogen in ensuring reliable connectivity for Telstra’s customers.
In addition to the Neerim North installation, the pilot project includes the installation of hydrogen fuel cells in various communities, such as Coldstream, Kinglake, Christmas Hills, and Chum Creek. These areas have a history of telecommunication outages caused by severe storms.
Funding for this pilot project comes from the $6.6 million Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund. Energys Australia, the manufacturer of the hydrogen fuel cells, has also received a $1 million grant from the Commercialisation Pathways Fund to develop their own renewable hydrogen production facility. This facility, currently under construction in Melbourne, will house a 1 MW electrolyser and other necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production and storage.
The Energys Renewable Hydrogen Production Facility has attracted international attention, with New York-based company Plug Power being a key proponent. Plug Power is involved in several hydrogen projects in Australia, including a 3 GW electrolyser project in the Northern Territory and the supply of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects in Tasmania.
By sourcing renewable energy primarily during low-demand periods, Energys aims to reduce the cost of hydrogen production and contribute to grid stability. Operations at the production facility are set to commence in 2024, with key components already ordered and discussions with potential off-takers underway.
This innovative pilot project marks a significant step towards harnessing the potential of renewable hydrogen as a reliable backup power source for telecommunications infrastructure. With ongoing investments and advancements in hydrogen technology, the energy industry is moving closer to a future powered by clean and resilient energy systems.
FAQs:
1. What is the purpose of the renewable hydrogen generator installed in Neerim North?
The renewable hydrogen generator is installed to provide backup power to telecommunications towers during outages.
2. Who is involved in the pilot project?
Energys Australia, a Victorian-based hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, has partnered with Telstra for this project.
3. What is the running capacity of the system in case of a disability?
The system is designed to ensure a minimum 72-hour running capacity for the Telstra mobile tower.
4. Where does Energys Australia source the hydrogen for their generators?
The article does not disclose the exact location, but it mentions that the hydrogen is sourced from undisclosed locations in Victoria.
5. What is the purpose of the Gas Substitution Roadmap in Victoria?
The Gas Substitution Roadmap in Victoria emphasizes the role of renewable hydrogen in strengthening energy resilience during the ongoing energy transition.
6. Why is Telstra using renewable hydrogen as an alternative energy source?
Telstra aims to enhance the continuity of its services, particularly during extreme weather events, by employing renewable hydrogen as an alternative energy source.
7. Which areas are included in the pilot project, besides Neerim North?
The pilot project includes the installation of hydrogen fuel cells in various communities such as Coldstream, Kinglake, Christmas Hills, and Chum Creek.
8. Where does the funding for the pilot project come from?
The funding for the pilot project comes from the $6.6 million Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund.
9. What grant has Energys Australia received for their own renewable hydrogen production facility?
Energys Australia has received a $1 million grant from the Commercialisation Pathways Fund to develop their own renewable hydrogen production facility.
10. What is the expected timeframe for operations at the Energys Renewable Hydrogen Production Facility to commence?
Operations at the production facility are set to commence in 2024.
Key Terms and Jargon:
– Renewable Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydro power.
– Gas Substitution Roadmap: A plan that aims to substitute traditional fossil fuels with renewable hydrogen to ensure energy resilience.
– Electrolyser: A device that uses an electric current to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
– Off-takers: Parties that purchase or consume the hydrogen produced.
Suggested Related Links:
– link name (Telstra Energy Solutions)
– link name (Victorian Government Renewable Hydrogen)
– link name (Plug Power)
