Woodside and Tas Gas have signed a non-binding agreement to assess the potential of blending green hydrogen in the Tasmanian gas network.
At the same time, Woodside has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tasmanian Government outlining the state’s support for the company’s H2TAS project – a renewable hydrogen production facility in Bell Bay.
Signed by Woodside CEO Peter Coleman and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein, Mr Coleman said the MOU demonstrated a shared net-zero aspiration.
“Woodside is focused on moving beyond feasibility studies and is targeting hydrogen production at H2TAS in the first half of 2023, following a targeted final investment decision in the third quarter of 2021,” he said.
“Importantly, this project would create local construction and operational jobs and new opportunities for Tasmanian businesses.”
H2TAS would involve the construction of a 10 MW pilot project producing 4.5 t/day of hydrogen for domestic use.
Woodside’s agreement with Tas Gas will provide the framework to blend up to 10 per cent hydrogen, including that produced at H2TAS, into the Tasmanian company’s gas network comprising 837 km of pipelines supplying 13,700 customers.
Tas Gas CEO Phaedra Deckart said Tasmania has an opportunity to lead Australia in green energy technology.
“In terms of gas, we have an in-built competitive advantage for decarbonisation here,” she said.
“Our networks are relatively new and capable of safely conveying hydrogen, unlike older systems across Australia.
“The possibilities are exciting.”
“Tas Gas are to be congratulated for their foresight in planning for hydrogen blending into their gas networks as this will be a key enabler for the growth of the Australian hydrogen industry and support progress towards a decarbonised economy,” said Mr Coleman.
For more information visit the Woodside website.
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