In an Australian first, South Australia (SA) has increased the blend of renewable hydrogen in its gas network to 10 per cent – the highest concentration nationally according to the SA Government.
This milestone was achieved at the Hydrogen Park facility in Tonsley Innovation District, which is already supplying nearly 4000 homes and businesses with a 5 per cent hydrogen-natural gas blend.
The State Government hailed the achievement as a nation-leading step that underscores recent research showing the potential for 100 per cent renewable hydrogen to eventually be supplied through South Australia’s gas distribution networks.
“This project is another example of South Australia’s innovation, offering an alternative in the quest to generate cleaner energy,” SA Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.
“It underlines the major role hydrogen will play in our state’s energy mix.”
Craig de Laine, CEO of Australian Gas Infrastructure Group which operates Hydrogen Park, called it “a huge milestone for the renewable hydrogen industry” in Australia.
“Careful consideration of the regulatory and investment settings have enabled the renewable gas industry to grow in South Australia,” he said.
“We plan to continue working with the State Government to deploy similar, larger-scale facilities.”
Renewable hydrogen can be used similarly to natural gas for heating, electricity generation and transport fuel. According to the SA Government, this initiative demonstrates the potential for existing gas networks to transition towards delivering clean hydrogen, reducing emissions and supporting the growth of the country’s renewable hydrogen sector.
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