Frontier Energy achieves pre-certification for Bristol Springs renewable energy project

Australia’s peak industry body Smart Energy Council has completed pre-certification for a zero carbon certification scheme at Frontier Energy’s (ASX: FHE) Bristol Springs renewable energy project in Western Australia.

The announcement is believed to be a major milestone for the company as it gives assurance that Frontier’s production processes will deliver zero carbon (or green) hydrogen.

Pre-certification was based on a review of Frontier’s recent definitive feasibility study for Bristol Springs and assessed all direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and storage of renewable hydrogen.

It was conducted by Perth-based sustainable services firm Point Advisory, on behalf of Smart Energy Council.

The process excluded emissions related to construction of the facility.

Smart Energy Council requires all Australian hydrogen projects to be certified to ensure a credible industry built on transparency with no fraudulent environmental claims (also known as greenwashing).

Essential element

Frontier managing director Sam Lee Mohan said pre-certification was an essential element in the development of Bristol Springs.

“We are an advanced first mover in the Australian hydrogen industry and receiving zero carbon pre-certification is important for off-takers as well as construction financing for the project,” he said.

“Having independent pre-certification of the origin and source of green hydrogen gives our stakeholders and shareholders confidence that the hydrogen produced at Bristol Springs is confirmed as clean and made from 100% renewable energy.”

Certification scheme launch

The zero carbon certification scheme was launched in late-2020 by Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, which is a division of the Smart Energy Council.

It is an industry-led ‘guarantee of origin’ initiative designed to help accelerate the development and deployment of renewable hydrogen and its by-products (including green ammonia and green metals) in Australia and around the world.

Assessment certifies all renewable hydrogen, green ammonia or green metal involved in a project has been made from renewable energy sources and provides an embedded carbon rating.

Mr Mohan said certification would become a critical tool as the nation moves to decarbonise its hydrogen industry.