Could Australia become a green hydrogen superpower?

Australia is on the verge of becoming a leader in green hydrogen production, a clean energy source that many believe could revolutionize the energy sector. Paul Barrett, the CEO of Hysata, an Australian green energy company, is at the forefront of this initiative. He explains that the process of creating hydrogen can be likened to blowing up a balloon, where energy is required to form bubbles. Hysata aims to eliminate these bubbles to produce hydrogen more efficiently. The company utilizes a method called electrolysis, which involves passing electricity through water to separate it into hydrogen and oxygen. Hysata has developed a unique material that enhances the efficiency of their electrolyser, allowing them to produce one kilogram of hydrogen using 20% less electricity compared to traditional methods. Hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth, and when used as a fuel, it does not emit carbon dioxide, making it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many experts view hydrogen as a potential solution for cutting carbon emissions, especially in heavy industries such as steelmaking and chemical production. Hydrogen can be categorized into four types: green, grey, blue, and black. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, grey hydrogen is derived from splitting methane, blue hydrogen captures the carbon dioxide produced during its creation, and black hydrogen is generated from burning coal. For Australia to transition to green hydrogen, the supply must be significantly increased. Dr. Liam Wagner, an associate professor at Curtin University, emphasizes that the main challenge lies in producing green hydrogen close to where it is needed and managing the supply effectively. He believes that improving production efficiency is crucial for the success of this transition. Australia is rich in natural resources and has a long history of exporting materials like coal and iron ore. There is hope that hydrogen could follow suit as a major export. Dr. Wagner suggests that hydrogen could be exported to countries that lack sufficient energy resources, either in liquid form or as ammonia. Hysata aims to contribute to this vision. The technology behind their electrolyser was initially developed by researchers at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales. In traditional electrolysers, bubbles can cling to the electrodes, causing blockages and energy loss. Hysata's innovative sponge-like material prevents these bubbles from forming, allowing for a more efficient process. Barrett describes the material as being similar to a kitchen sponge, but much thinner and cost-effective to produce. Cost and efficiency have been significant barriers for the hydrogen industry, but Hysata has recently secured US$111 million in funding to enhance its production capabilities. Dr. Ema Frery, a research team leader at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is investigating the potential of naturally occurring hydrogen. She explains that certain rocks in Australia can generate hydrogen through natural processes. This type of hydrogen is referred to as geogenic hydrogen, or sometimes white or gold hydrogen. Dr. Frery is exploring how to extract, store, and utilize this hydrogen in a way that is economically viable. She notes that a conventional hydrogen system requires a rock that can produce hydrogen, pathways for it to migrate, and a reservoir for storage. In other countries, such as Mali, natural hydrogen has been successfully extracted for over a decade to provide electricity for local communities. Despite the promising developments, some experts remain skeptical about hydrogen becoming a significant export for Australia. Amandine Denis-Ryan, the CEO of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, argues that exporting hydrogen would be financially impractical due to the high costs associated with shipping it. She believes that utilizing hydrogen locally would be a more sensible approach and hopes that government funding will not be wasted on projects that lack feasibility. Just as bubbles can create obstacles, new technologies often encounter challenges that hinder progress. However, many advocates for hydrogen believe it will play a vital role in the future of energy. Bahman Shabani, a professor at RMIT University, is working on a system that can store excess renewable energy using hydrogen. He points out that hydrogen is gaining traction globally, with significant investments being made in countries like China, Japan, Germany, and the United States, all recognizing the importance of this emerging energy source.