University of Newcastle researchers are participating in a project to develop world-first energy conversion technologies for the storage of surplus renewable energy in a chemical form.
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The technologies, known as Power-to-X (P2X), can be used to produce clean fuels and chemicals such as hydrogen, ammonia, methane and other derivatives, which are less capital intensive than alternatives such as battery storage.
The research project is being led by the UNSW with the support of the NSW chief scientist.
Professor Rose Amal from the UNSW School of Chemical Engineering said the use of cheap (excess) renewable energy would help drive down the traditionally high costs associated with producing the chemicals.
"NSW has untapped renewable energy potential that presents excellent opportunities to build a P2X industry at scale - to meet domestic and export demand for green energy," she said.
"P2X offers opportunities for deep decarbonisation for hard-to-abate industries, regional development and investment attraction, as well as exporting renewable energy to overseas markets via hydrogen carriers."
Germany, Japan and South Korea are among the countries already seeking partners and locations in Australia for renewable hydrogen production, which to export to their respective countries.
Newcastle is among several locations around Australia that the federal government is investigating as locations for a future hydrogen export hub.
It is hoped the announcement last week that the Hunter will host one of 13 hydrogen clusters will boost the region's case to become a national hydrogen export hub.
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"NSW has all the ingredients required for a future hydrogen economy and a rare opportunity to lead the P2X development. But we must act urgently and invest in the technology and start building capabilities now, to ensure we capture this enormous opportunity for our state and our country," Professor Amal said.
The state government has identified hydrogen as a priority technology as part of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Investment Roadmap 2020.
At the heart of most P2X processes is hydrogen production via electrolysis of water. This hydrogen can be used directly as a final product or to produce other clean fuels and chemicals through secondary conversion technologies.
NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Hugh Durrant-Whyte says a P2X industry would accelerate the hydrogen economy in NSW, creating substantial economic value and environmental benefits.
"There is an existing demand for hydrogen and a growing market for other P2X products overseas, in NSW and across Australia," Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
"Transport, electricity and gas industries are also actively exploring P2X solutions to decarbonise processes and products in NSW.
"A local P2X industry could play a major role in NSW's target of net zero emissions by 2050 and create hundreds of jobs. We need immediate, targeted and coordinated investment in these technologies to meet our economic and moral obligations to decarbonise. I look forward to the outcomes of this project under Professor Amal's leadership."
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