Australia’s renewable H₂ sector has taken another significant step forward after Spanish-based Solarig entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with energy infrastructure company Jemena. Under the MoU the parties will collaborate to assess the feasibility and facilitate the supply of zero-carbon renewable H₂ to gas users connected to Jemena’s network.

The MoU between Solarig and Jemena focuses first on the development of H₂ production and blending facilities in regional New South Wales which will initially inject up to 35 terajoules of renewable H₂ per year into Jemena’s New South Wales gas distribution network. If successful, both parties will work to further develop additional renewable H₂ initiatives helping to build Australia’s renewable H₂ market, and positioning NSW as a prominent national and international hub.

As part of the MoU, Jemena will undertake feasibility assessments for renewable H₂ to be blended into the network so it can be used by homes, businesses, and industrial customers downstream of the injection site.

Solarig’s Australian Country Manager, Andrew Want said Australia’s transition to low-carbon energy, transport and industry is accelerating at pace and solutions to decarbonize gas and liquid fuels were an urgent priority. 

“Solarig in Australia is leading the development of green H₂ infrastructure to support industries like transport, agriculture and mining in their decarbonization efforts,” said Want.

“Our operations in Australia are focused on building infrastructure across regional Australia, where the renewable energy resources are and our major industries are – such as mining, agriculture and logistics – providing long-term economic development and sustainable employment opportunities to communities in regional areas, in this case in NSW.”

Jemena’s Managing Director, David Gillespie said Jemena is always looking for opportunities to support a renewable gas market with a view to providing a long-term decarbonization pathway for gas, while also contributing to broader economy-wide decarbonization efforts.

“Australia is right in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to decarbonize our energy sector. But we know there is not one silver bullet that is going to help us reach our emission reduction targets,” said Gillespie.

“We are going to need a mix of renewable energy fuels to ensure Australia can reach net zero, while still delivering safe and reliable energy. Forming these types of relationships is essential to developing a robust renewable gas sector.”

Want said the H₂ produced will be generated using 100% renewable electricity from Solarig developed generation projects or through the purchase of renewable energy.

Solarig develops, finances, builds and operates infrastructure for the energy transition. It currently manages more than 10 GW of photovoltaic assets and has a portfolio of more than 20 GW of power projects in 12 countries, with a strong presence in Europe, Central and South America, Japan and Australia.

The Solarig project in regional NSW is one of the first commercial renewable H₂ facilities proposed for connection to the Jemena network and, subject to meeting the pre-feasibility requirements, will be one of the first commercial renewable H₂ blending projects in Australia.