HESC features at inaugural Australian Hydrogen Energy Summit

The HESC Project was in the spotlight at the Inaugural Australian Hydrogen Energy Summit held in Melbourne on 26/27 March 2019.

Touted as a world-first project of international significance for the establishment of an end-to-end hydrogen supply chain between Australia and Japan, it featured prominently in the forum discussion.

Mr Seiji Hongo, Director, Chief Operating Officer at J-Power Latrobe Valley Pty Ltd, and Mr Hirofumi Kawazoe, Engineering Manager for Hydrogen Engineering Australia Pty Ltd, provided an overview of the project in the context of Japan’s ambitious hydrogen society targets – as set-out in its Basic Hydrogen Strategy 2017 –   including the Japanese Government’s commitment to establish a global hydrogen supply chain at a target cost for hydrogen production of around USD$3 per kilogram by 2030.

The presentation was an opportunity to share some of the recent and exciting project developments including the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of J-Power’s Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) application to investigate the potential for converting coal to hydrogen at AGL’s Loy Yang facility.

A first for Australia, the Summit highlights the extent of the hydrogen opportunity for the country, both in terms of export potential and as a key part of our future energy mix.  It is intended to become an annual event.

As well as showcasing the HESC Project, government and industry thought leaders considered how the private and public sector should be working together to commercialise hydrogen and promote a clean and safe energy future for Australia and the world. 

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) Dr Patrick Hartley and Dr David Harris presented their National Hydrogen Roadmap, and their research work on cutting-edge emerging hydrogen technology pathways.

Representatives from South Australia’s Department of Energy and Mining, as well as Queensland’s Department of State Development, showcased their respective work to incorporate hydrogen into the states’ future energy supply chains.

Hydrogen Mobility Australia, AAHE, Woodside Energy and ATCO Gas also delivered presentations on their forward-looking hydrogen initiatives.

The Summit drew around 100 attendees from the government, industry and scientific sectors, demonstrating the growing momentum in Australia for a new, exciting hydrogen industry.  Media representatives also attended.

The HESC project was in the spotlight at the Inaugural Hydrogen Energy Summit held in Melbourne on 26 March 2019.

To learn more about the Australian Hydrogen Energy Summit, click here.

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