A world-first project to produce liquid hydrogen from brown coal has commenced construction in Latrobe Valley, Victoria. 

The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Pilot Project will see brown coal from Latrobe Valley produced into liquid hydrogen and transported to Japan to be used for fuel cell electric vehicle and power generation.

Victorian minister for Economic Development Mr. Tim Pallas was joined Mr. Shigeru Murayama, Global Chairman of consortium partner Kawasaki Heavy Industries at the Port of Hastings to officially begin construction on the project.

It is estimated that the HESC Pilot Project will create 400 jobs across Victoria with thousands more to be created in the commercial phase of the project.

It will also allow the transfer of knowledge and expertise in the production and utilisation of hydrogen among businesses in Victoria.

Speaking of the opportunities the project provided, Mr. Pallas was optimistic about its potential.

“The hydrogen economy has the potential to be an important future sector in Victoria with the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Pilot Project providing an opportunity for Victoria to lead the global emergence of the industry,” said Mr. Pallas.

The project could make Victoria a pioneer in the rapidly developing hydrogen industry, which is estimated to be worth $1.8trillion by 2050.

The project also has the potential to provide a renewable source of energy that helps the state of Victoria meet its future energy needs.

The consortium partners leading the HESC Pilot Project along with Kawasaki Heavy Industries include J-Power, Iwatani Corporation, Marubeni Corporation and AGL.

Original source: Premier of Victoria | Victoria powers on with World First Hydrogen Project

24 July 2019