Hydrogen potential for zero emissions future
08 January 2019
ACT Government: As the
ACT looks to
achieve its world-leading target of zero net
emissions by 2045,
renewable
hydrogen gas could have the potential as a zero emissions
replacement for natural gas, Minister for Climate Change and
Sustainability Shane Rattenbury said today.
“In response to
climate change, we need to phase out the use of natural
gas, which is a highly polluting fossil fuel. Hydrogen can be a
renewable, zero-emissions
gas source and we want to understand whether,
and how, it can be viably used to decarbonise the gas network,” Minister
Rattenbury said today.
The Minister’s comments come as
Evoenergy and the
Canberra Institute of
Technology (CIT) have partnered to develop Australia’s first
hydrogen test facility to test up to 100% hydrogen in situations where
we currently use the fossil fuel natural gas.
Evoenergy who own and operate the ACT gas network, will test hydrogen on
existing materials, equipment and work practices, potentially allowing
it to be used in the existing gas distribution network in the future.
The facility will be launched in three phases over the next 12 months:
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Phase 1: Testing existing Australian network components, construction and maintenance practices on 100% hydrogen
-
Phase 2: Testing hydrogen as a broader energy storage source to support coupling the electricity network to the gas network.
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Phase 3: Appliance testing (e.g. testing hydrogen and mixed gases in existing appliances like hot water systems).
Evoenergy Gas Networks Branch Manager, Will Yeap,
said providing a safe and reliable supply was an Evoenergy priority for
Canberrans.
“Evoenergy knows we have an important responsibility to look at
renewable energy sources and stay ahead of the rapidly changing energy
landscape,” Mr Yeap said.
“This first of its kind facility will allow us to gain a clear
understanding of the impact of introducing hydrogen to existing
infrastructure. We will be moving one step closer to realising the
ability for a viable renewable gas source to be rolled out on a large
scale.”
“The work by Evoenergy and CIT is important for determining if we need
to make any modifications or replacements to allow the possible
introduction of hydrogen into the natural gas distribution system,” Mr
Rattenbury added.
“At the same time, CIT will use the facility to train plumbing students
in these new technologies so they are skill-ready for the future.”
“The ACT Government will be looking at the results of the test facility
closely as it looks to ways to achieve its ambitious target to reach
zero net emissions by 2045,” Minister Rattenbury added.
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Source: ACT Government - www.cmd.act.gov.au
Contact: Media Contact: Lisa Wills 0481 035 764
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