Australian green hydrogen firm Climate Impact Corporation (CIC) is to develop two 10GW green hydrogen projects in central Australia, using renewable hydrogen production modular technology developed in partnership with GE Vernova.

CIC chairman and co-founder David Green said its processes would unlock inland hydrogen production opportunities in solar-rich NT and SA.

CIC's David Green

"Renewable hydrogen production requires a significant amount of energy and water, which aren't often found together in places like Australia," he said.

He said the company is solving the challenge with solar power and atmospheric water generation technology.

"It's an approach that solves one of the biggest challenges Australia has faced in becoming a renewable hydrogen superpower, and we're excited to bring it to market first," he said.

CIC's 10GW projects would be by far the largest renewable hydrogen ventures developed in Australia to date. Having secured offtake buyers, the project is now considered commercially viable.

Traditional renewable hydrogen production requires large quantities of water and grid-provided electricity. 

CIC's modular hydrogen production units operate off-grid and consist of solar panels, atmospheric water generators, electrolysers, and the necessary infrastructure to produce hydrogen in insolation.

The use of atmospheric water allows hydrogen to be produced anywhere there is abundant solar radiation, opening new locations in arid central Australia. 

CIC's H2 production process video 

No water, no problem

"The demand for dependable, sustainable, and affordable renewable fuels in the Asia-Pacific is growing, and Australia is perfectly placed to become a regional hydrogen superpower to meet that need," Green added. 

"But that means we need to invest in technology that maximises Australia's advantages and come up with creative solutions to challenges like water scarcity without a huge financial burden being placed on governments and communities. 

"Modular, off-grid hydrogen is based on proven technology and has enormous potential to meet Australia and the region's renewable fuel needs."

The first test modules are expected to begin production as soon as later this year. 

Source: Energy News Bulletin