Global energy consultancy Xodus Group has been selected by Infinite Blue Energy (IBE) Group to carry out initial work on Australia’s first large scale 100% green hydrogen plant.
The $300 million Arrowsmith Hydrogen Project secured investment earlier this year. Located 320km north of Perth, it is projected to produce 25 tonnes of green hydrogen a day using solar and wind energy.
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Xodus’ Perth team will deliver a preliminary environmental impact assessment and environmental impact identification, as well as ad-hoc environmental support, including stakeholder consultation.
Xodus will also offer geographic information system support, as well as manage permits and the flora and fauna surveys for the proposed site, undertaken by a third party.
Naomi Kerp, principal environmental consultant at Xodus, said: “IBE Group is at the forefront of green energy in Australia and having worked with the senior team on previous projects, we are excited to be supporting them again with our energy experience and expertise.
“Projects like this can help establish Australia as a global leader in the production and supply of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel so it’s fantastic for us to be part of it from the very beginning.”
Green hydrogen production uses renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, biogas) and water, and emits oxygen as a by-product. IBE Group will be a true zero carbon commercial green hydrogen producer, the first of its kind in Australia, as opposed to existing projects that use traditional fossil fuels to produce liquid hydrogen.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has received 36 expressions of interest to develop green hydrogen projects totaling almost 500MW. This is in response to a AUS$70 million funding round launched in April. It is expected that funding will be allocated by the end of 2020.
Kerp added: “The ARENA funding round generated significant interest right across Australia, in every state and territory. We’re seeing records of renewable generation broken on a regular occurrence and highlights the changing supply mix throughout the energy market as the country goes through a fairly rapid energy transition.”
