Exploring Hydrogen

By: Andy Marsland
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  • Summary

  • Join Andy Marsland in exploring Hydrogen Energy where you will learn about the exciting advancements, opportunities and challenges of this nascent energy sector. We delve into how hydrogen can contribute to the decarbonisation of Australia and the world, and investigate what it is going to take for its adoption into transportation, industry and society.
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Episodes
  • Ep 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting waste to Energy – With Wildfire Energy

    Ep 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting waste to Energy – With Wildfire Energy
    Nov 18 2024
    Exploring HydrogenEp 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting Waste to Energy – With Wildfire EnergyGreg Perkins is a co-founder, MD and CEO of Wildfire EnergyHis is an Innovator with more than 20 years of industry experience in the development of new technologies and projects for the energy and oil & gas industries, with 12 pending and granted patents. He has a passion for cleaner energy, technology, innovation and business strategy and is a former Adjunct Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland, 2021-2024; MIChemE and CPEngGreg’s relevant experience includes:· Experience across diverse functions from technology, project delivery, construction and operations as well as business development· Start up and commissioning of a $100 million USD natural gas gasification unit at a refinery complex in Malaysia· Design, operation and troubleshooting of numerous coal gasification projects.· Inventor of the moving injection gravity drainage (MIGD) process for heavy oil recovery.Key Points and Discussion HighlightsSustainable Aviation Fuel and SyngasWildfire Energy’s unique process converts various organic materials into energy, which can then be used to make a variety of energy vector including sustainable aviation fuels and syngas, through a patented batch system.Unlike traditional methods, their technology eliminates the need for pre-treatment or sorting of waste, making it more efficient and cost-effective.Localised Waste Management SolutionsGreg highlights projects in Pacific Islands such as Nauru, where waste is often left in open areas, creating severe environmental problems.Wildfire’s system can convert waste into electricity, replacing imported diesel and reducing the environmental impact, while generating about 20% of the islands’ power needs.Adaptable Modular DesignThe technology is modular and scalable to suit communities of different sizes, from small rural towns to larger urban centres.This flexibility supports localised waste management, enabling communities to address their waste issues directly while creating jobs and generating renewable energy.Environmental Impact and Carbon CreditsWildfire’s process achieves net negative carbon emissions.The approach qualifies for Australian carbon credit units, further incentivising the diversion of waste from landfills and supporting broader carbon reduction goals.Global Demand for Renewable Energy SolutionsGreg discusses the growing global interest in hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and methanol as energy sources for industries like aviation and shipping. Methanol, in particular, has significant potential in shipping and as an intermediate chemical for producing carbon-neutral plastics, contributing to a circular economy.Financial Challenges and Market AdoptionFunding remains a key challenge due to the capital-intensive nature of the technology, with many venture capital funds hesitant to invest in such projects. Despite this, Wildfire has secured government grants and international support.Future Outlook and Expansion PlansGreg envisions Wildfire Energy expanding globally, with dozens of operational projects within the next decade.The long-term strategy includes licensing the technology internationally, empowering communities worldwide to manage waste locally while generating renewable energyClosing RemarksAndy and Greg conclude by encouraging listeners to follow Wildfire Energy’s progress via their LinkedIn page and monthly newsletter, where they share updates and insights.Andy invites listeners to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on innovative clean energy solutions and thanks Greg for an enlightening discussion about tackling waste and energy challenges with transformative technology.A link to their website and newsletters is below:Wildfire EnergyNewsletters | wildfire (wildfireenergy.com.au)
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    34 mins
  • What is Australia’s Play for Hydrogen? – with SEC / Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia

    What is Australia’s Play for Hydrogen? – with SEC / Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia
    Oct 14 2024
    Episode Summary:In this episode of Exploring Hydrogen, host Andy Marsland embarks on an enlightening conversation with Joanna Kay, a leading voice in the renewable hydrogen sector. Joanna serves as the Executive General Manager of the Smart Energy Council and leads Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, advocating for hydrogen as a key to the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy.Joanna offers a comprehensive overview of how hydrogen fits into Australia’s renewable energy landscape, from its potential role in industries like transportation and manufacturing to the challenges of scaling production and adoption. The conversation delves into the critical importance of certification programs for ensuring hydrogen production remains truly green, meeting rigorous environmental standards.Together, they explore Australia's place in the global hydrogen conversation, comparing national efforts to those of international leaders like the European Union, the US, and Japan. Joanna also highlights the role of government incentives and global standards in shaping the future of green hydrogen and explains why ensuring harmonised certification is key for building a sustainable hydrogen economy worldwide.Key Topics Discussed:Introduction to the Smart Energy Council and Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna explains the work of the Smart Energy Council, which has been active in Australia for decades, representing the renewable energy value chain, including solar, batteries, wind, and hydrogen. Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, established in 2018, focuses on both domestic and international hydrogen applications and derivative products like green ammonia and green metals.Hydrogen Certification and Global Standards:Hydrogen can be produced using various methods, not all of which are green. Joanna highlights the importance of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia’s certification program—the only industry-led initiative in Australia—that ensures green hydrogen projects meet the global standard of less than one kilogram of carbon per kilogram of hydrogen. The discussion also explores how different countries define green hydrogen and the challenges of aligning these definitions to promote global trade and cooperation.Comparing Australia’s Hydrogen Standards to Global Leaders:Joanna and Andy discuss how Australia’s standards stack up against global leaders like the European Union and the United States, which have different carbon intensity thresholds for what they define as green hydrogen. They explore the complexities of developing a unified global standard and the opportunities it presents for Australia as an emerging leader in the green hydrogen space.The Role of Government and Public Funding:Joanna provides insights into how government incentives, such as the production tax credits in Australia, are playing a crucial role in supporting the growth of the hydrogen sector. They also explore recent findings from the International Energy Agency, which suggest that with proper public funding, green hydrogen could become the most cost-competitive hydrogen source by 2030, surpassing alternatives like blue hydrogen.Future Vision for Hydrogen in Australia:Joanna outlines the next steps for Australia’s hydrogen industry, including the expansion of green hydrogen into industrial processes, the potential for international trade, and how certification will play a key role in ensuring transparency and environmental accountability. She also shares examples of successfully certified projects, like Bristol Springs and Yarra International, which demonstrate Australia’s capability to deliver green hydrogen.Notable Quotes:“What we're focused on is making sure hydrogen produced in Australia is genuinely green—meaning zero emissions. Blue hydrogen, which relies on carbon capture, may have its place as a transition fuel, but we’re advocating for true decarbonisation.” – Joanna Kay“By 2030, green hydrogen could outcompete all other forms of hydrogen globally if public funding is directed towards supporting its production.” – Joanna KayEpisode Highlights:Deep Dive into Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna details the mission and structure of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, a division of the Smart Energy Council, which has been at the forefront of developing renewable hydrogen initiatives and projects across Australia. With over 200 members involved in hydrogen projects, the organisation plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of hydrogen in Australia.The Importance of Certification in Hydrogen Production:Hydrogen certification ensures that green hydrogen projects meet strict carbon emission standards. Joanna explains the technical challenges of maintaining global consistency in certification and why it is essential for promoting international hydrogen trade and reducing the carbon footprint of industrial processes.Global Comparisons of Hydrogen Standards:Joanna and Andy discuss the variations in hydrogen standards across ...
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    37 mins
  • Overcoming Supply Chain and Import Challenges Mini Series Episode 4 – BOC

    Overcoming Supply Chain and Import Challenges Mini Series Episode 4 – BOC
    Sep 13 2024

    This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges

    A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.

    Chris Dolman is the Business Development Manager for BOC. He’s been working across a number of areas including hydrogen to biomethane and other Gaseous vectors.

    BOC is part of the Linde Group, one of the world's largest industrial gas and engineering companies and it operates in over 100 countries. The company supplies a wide range of gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, which are essential for various industries such as healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.

    Globally, Linde plc employs approximately 65,000 people and its operations include production facilities, distribution networks, and extensive research and development activities, making it a critical supplier of industrial gases and engineering solutions worldwide.


    ● BOC's Role in the Hydrogen Industry

    ○ Supplying hydrogen globally for over 80 years

    ○ Operating 170 hydrogen production plants worldwide

    ○ Transitioning from traditional uses of hydrogen to focusing on hydrogen as an energy vector

    ● Supply Chain Challenges

    ○ Impact of COVID-19 on international supply chains

    ○ Australia’s unique standards and challenges in hydrogen production

    ○ Difficulties in sourcing specialised equipment like electrolyser stacks and spare parts

    ● Technical and Engineering Challenges

    ○ Managing electrolyser "turn-down rates" and balancing plant sizing

    ○ The complexity of "plug and play" refueler systems

    ○ Localising skills for hydrogen project engineering and maintenance

    ● Australia's Hydrogen Projects

    ○ Insights from the BP-BOC Queensland refuelling project and Toyota Eco Park project

    ○ Hydrogen buses in Victoria and South Australia as a success story

    ○ Challenges and cost pressures in hydrogen hub projects, such as the Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub

    ● Lessons for the Future of Hydrogen

    ○ Importance of having critical spare parts and skilled local workers

    ○ The need for collaboration within the hydrogen supply chain

    ○ Australia’s limitations in the hydrogen truck market due to right-hand drive and specialised truck configurations (e.g., B-doubles)


    Key Takeaways:


    This episode highlights the challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen energy sector, particularly from an Australian perspective. It emphasises the need for collaboration, innovation, and local skill development to overcome supply chain constraints and technical obstacles. The discussion also underscores the importance of planning for long-term growth in hydrogen projects, from sourcing materials to building local expertise.


    Links

    ● linkedin.com/in/chris-dolman-b2509710


    ● https://www.boc-limited.com.au/en/index.html

    Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/







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    16 mins

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