ReNu Energy announced that it is completing the design of a green H₂ electrolysis production facility. The H₂ Tasmania Brighton project will be developed 30 minutes north of Hobart. With the intention to achieve early H₂ production to support industry growth, the project is to be funded by ReNu Energy and developed by its wholly owned subsidiary Countrywide Renewable Hydrogen (CRH).

CRH has agreed a term sheet and executed an option to lease land owned by Bullock Property Developments (Bullock Civil) and is negotiating supply of an electrolyzer. The term sheet and option to lease set out the strategic framework for the parties to agree the commercial terms for the lease and to convert into definitive arrangements as the Project advances.

Countrywide Renewable H₂ Managing Director, Geoffrey Drucker said, The Brighton H₂ Project may prove to be the first mover in commercial production of green H₂ by electrolysis in Tasmania. Associated gas blending and road transport trials will help to build public awareness and acceptance of H₂, while proven production is expected to attract further endorse applications to enhance emissions reduction priorities in the state. The project will create local jobs and can support the delivery of skills-enhanced personnel to service the fuel cell electric vehicles and gas sectors, along with the storage, transport and handling of H₂.

The project has a planned capacity of up to 2MW, or 900kg H₂/d and will be designed to match expected H₂ demand. Located adjacent to the Brighton Transport Hub, the project will facilitate truck refueling and has capacity to supply the TasGas Network Bridgewater city gate for potential blending with natural gas. Discussions on this opportunity are at an advanced stage.

The project will also be able to service growing demand for a zero-carbon gas alternative within the Brighton area with the potential to supply industry with 100% clean H₂ instead of carbon-based natural gas.

The availability of green H₂ will provide the opportunity for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) manufacturers to establish vehicle capability on key routes, gas transporters to offer a decarbonization option to customers and transport operators and their customers to have emission-free H₂ fuel supplied for trial activities while proving FCEV viability.

The project scope will involve procurement and installation of the electrolyzer, grid and water connection and production of green H₂. Depending on partnering and offtake arrangements, the project can include gas transport and blending to the Tas Gas network; Metro Tas’ FCEV bus trial H₂ supply and refueling; demonstration trucking on key S/N/NW freight routes; establishment of refueling facilities at the Brighton Transport Hub; and H₂ supply to industrial gas customers in the Brighton area.

Subject to necessary approvals and finalizing commercial arrangements, the project is targeted to be online by Q4 2023. The Project is expected to be a collaboration between CRH, an identified partner, Bullock Civil and the Tasmanian Government.

To minimize the cost of electricity for the project, there is potential for additional investment to provide behind the meter power via a solar farm located to the north of the land parcel identified jointly with Bullock Civil. Tasmanian engineering consultancy Entura has been engaged to undertake a pre-feasibility study on behind-the-meter power generation.

ReNu Energy CEO Greg Watson said, With all the capabilities this project can provide, corporates can have access to a zero-emission alternative for supply chain logistics. The Project complements advanced discussions with potential offtakers and partners to progress the planned 5-10MW Tasmanian green H₂ project located in the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone.