Globally and domestically, the demand for low carbon intensity energy is accelerating. Early adaptors and fast followers are working towards transitioning their industrial energy processes at pace, as they strive to meet 2030 and 2050 energy targets.   

Hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels are all emerging as options to industrialise the conversion of renewable electricity, into a low carbon intensity energy source that can be transported in exportable volumes. 

Australia finds itself in an advantageous position, with substantial land mass and favorable environmental conditions that can produce significant amounts of renewable electricity. The challenge is how to capture, convert, store, and transport this renewable electricity so the rest of the world can utilise it. 

The Australian governments have made it clear; they’re invested in becoming a renewable energy superpower. International acknowledgment of Australia’s substantial and advantageous conditions is driving large scale foreign investment. It’s the above combination of domestic and international drivers, which will support the immergence of the green Industrial energy market.

How we bridge the gap; carbon capture utilisation & storage (CCUS)

It’s important we acknowledge the immediate requirement, reduce the total amount of carbon emissions. Green solutions (ones that that do not produce GHG emissions) are the final destination for future energy production, but blue processes (emissions that can be captured and stored) will play a key role in supporting the journey. 

Our industrial sector has matured over a long period of time, a quick conversion to green technologies and processes is not rationale nor immediately achievable. The cost to convert, the additional infrastructure, and the need to develop a mature supply chain are all challenges we must overcome worldwide.

Carbon capture technology is advancing rapidly, it’s a means of reducing our carbon emissions while utilising the infrastructure and supply chains that already exist. This technology has a role to play  in the industrial energy transition, it can support the hard to abate sectors, and support industries that need to control emissions now, while greener alternatives mature.

Everything is in place

There is tendency to think about new technologies and industries like hydrogen as fresh, clean and brand-new. The reality is, we have been harnessing and utilising hydrogen in our industrial process forever, it’s just that the source of our current hydrogen comes with the byproduct of carbon emissions. The challenge is to create sustainable, clean hydrogen, derived from renewable sources, which create zero carbon emissions (green hydrogen). 

The existing use of hydrogen is why the majority of our industrial locations, facilities, and infrastructure are all positioned to form the basis of the emerging green hydrogen sector. These existing brownfields sites already coexist with mature logistics and supply chain infrastructure. 

A local partner with experience 

In May 2024, the Australian Government announced it was doubling its investment in its Hydrogen HeadStart program*. This investment program is designed to support the early adaption and development of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects. The support also included tax incentives to further drive the industry towards low carbon intensity hydrogen production. It’s this commitment which is bringing participants from across the globe to look at and invest in Australia as a leader in hydrogen. 

Hydrogen facilities are major hazardous facilities (MHF), and bringing a proven, experienced service provider, who can bring experience from the development of hazardous facilities with engineering and installation services, through to the end of life decommissioning scopes will be a key part of leveraging this opportunity.