University of Wollongong researchers have developed a new electrolyser technology that brings cost-competitive renewable, or green, hydrogen a step closer to reality.
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Research findings published in Nature Communications show that the technology known as "capillary-fed electrolysis", is capable of producing green hydrogen from water at 98 per cent cell energy efficiency - a level well above the International Renewable Energy Agency's 2050 target.
The breakthrough means it is likely that green hydrogen will be able to be produced for about $2 per kilogram by the mid-2020s - out-competing fossil fuel-derived hydrogen.
University of Wollongong spin-out company, Hysata, was formed last year to commercialise the breakthrough hydrogen electrolyser technology.
"Electrolysers have been around for 200 years, however the large amounts of renewable electricity required to produce green hydrogen and the overall cost of electrolysers today has prevented large-scale uptake of green hydrogen," Professor Gerry Swiegers from the university's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, said.
"Hysata's overall electrolyser system has been designed for ease of manufacturing, scaling and installation, delivering 95 per cent overall system efficiency, equivalent to 41.5 Kilowatt Hours per Kilogram, compared to 75 per cent or less for existing electrolyser technologies. For hydrogen producers, this will significantly reduce both the capital and operational costs to produce green hydrogen."
Professor Gordon Wallace from project partner ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science said the new discovery was a testament to work built upon over a long time, and based on many years of thorough fundamental scientific explorations.
But he said the company would need further support to realise the technology's potential.
Meanwhile, Central Coast-based hydrogen technology company Star Scientific has taken out a global innovation award at the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Innovation Awards at Austin, Texas.
The company won the New Economy category, for its HERO (hydrogen energy release optimiser).
HERO uses a "non-polluting catalyst" to create zero-emission heat from hydrogen. It can be partnered with turbines to create electricity.
"The award is recognition of our ability to put renewable hydrogen into use with HERO today, to solve real energy challenges, and in particular the energy draw of the digital economy," Star Scientific's Global Group Chairman Andrew Horvath said in a statement.
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
