The project aims to test the production of hydrogen gas through brown coal gasification, liquefaction of hydrogen gas, storage and loading onto what is said to be the world’s first specialised carrier for transport across the Asia-Pacific.
The Australian government has described the pilot project as a ‘crucial step’ towards Australia becoming an international leader in hydrogen production, with the Australian and Victorian governments pledging AU$50 million each to the AU$500 million pilot project.
Construction of the small-scale pilot facilities at the Port of Hastings commenced in 2019, and the pilot phase will operate for approximately one year from 2020. ABB has been awarded orders in both Australia and Japan, winning an electrification and instrumentation contract in Australia and an automation contract in Japan from KHI.
“ABB is excited to collaborate on this world-first pilot to commercialise technology for liquefying and transporting hydrogen from Australia and deliver clean energy to Japan, while also reducing emissions,” says Peter Terwiesch, president of ABB’s Industrial Automation business. “As a technology leader, our high-quality products and solutions are matched by our global experience and an innovative spirit.”
In Australia, ABB will supply and integrate electrical equipment including LV switchgear and distribution panels, power quality components, UPS, end-to-end engineering, project management and commissioning services, as well as instrumentation, motor and gearboxes for the new Hydrogen Liquefaction and Loading Terminal at the Port of Hastings in Victoria. At the terminal, hydrogen gas produced by brown coal gasification at the Latrobe Valley will be liquefied and stored.
In Japan, there is a liquid hydrogen receiving terminal at Kobe. ABB Bailey Japan, which has deep domain expertise in LNG cryogenic terminals, will provide an automation and safety system to support the local operations.
Kevin Kosisko, MD at ABB Energy Industries, adds: “Worldwide, we are leveraging our competency in the energy industries to support our customers in major projects with potential to generate greener and more sustainable energy sources for tomorrow’s world.”
Caption for above image: ABB is providing instrumentation and electrification solutions to power Australia’s first Hydrogen Liquefaction and Loading Terminal at the Port of Hastings in Victoria as part of the ‘world-first’ HESC project. Credit: Kawasaki Heavy Industries