Frontier Energy launches renewable energy expansion and green hydrogen studies at Bristol Springs solar project

Perth-based junior Frontier Energy (ASX: FHE) has contracted global energy consulting firm Xodus Group to complete studies into renewable energy expansion and green hydrogen production at its Bristol Springs solar project in Western Australia’s southwest region.

The large-scale project was designed to initially produce 114 megawatts of electricity and the expansion study aims to boost this to beyond 500MW.

It will assess the optimisation of solar production in light of additional land acquisition opportunities which could allow for an initial increase to 490MW.

Solar energy in WA is currently dominated by rooftop panels and research shows there are only five industrial solar projects (with 200MW total capacity) connected to the southwest interconnected system (SWIS).

Stage one of Bristol Springs, which is expected to commence next year, would account for approximately 36% of this production by 2024 based on current projections.

Wind and battery studies

Xodus will conduct a preliminary wind resource assessment combined with concept design and cost modelling to determine the optimal solar-wind mix on-site.

A study on the incorporation of an on-site battery energy storage system will review appropriate and emerging battery technologies and develop high-level cost estimates.

It will evaluate energy arbitrage opportunities and optimise grid stabilisation and feed-in controls as these options are believed to be capable of adding significant value to the project economics.

Green hydrogen

The green hydrogen study will incorporate future clean energy production from Bristol Springs while leveraging the project’s location and existing infrastructure such as power transfer, gas pipelines, usable water and port facilities.

Lack of access to infrastructure has traditionally presented a major barrier to the production and export of green hydrogen.

Frontier’s planned work program includes a hydrogen market assessment, along with a distribution analysis which will drive an evaluation for the production, storage and export of green hydrogen produced with clean energy from the project.

The preferred case will be carried forward to the techno-economic study where electrolyser and storage options and feedstock (water) requirements will be used to determine optimal hydrogen production rates and storage vessel sizing.

The green hydrogen study will consider domestic power, transport and industrial demand as well as international export markets and other global opportunities to determine the optimum commercial pathway for large-scale hydrogen production.

Long-term strategy

Frontier managing director Mike Young said the studies align with a long-term strategy towards becoming an Australian-focused and integrated clean energy company.

“The development of Bristol Springs is well advanced but the current power output is only the first stage of our long-term vision… we believe there is potential to increase the capacity to in excess of 500MW,” he said.

“Having an early mover advantage in this sector is essential… we look forward to the outcome of these techno-economic studies as we continue to advance the development of Bristol Springs to potentially have stage one under construction by this time next year.”

Green hydrogen leader

Last year, the McGowan government announced plans for WA to become a global leader in green hydrogen exports with a target to match its significant current market share in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.

It aims to secure a 12% share of the global market by 2030, roughly on par with its current share in LNG exports.

Last year, Australia was the world’s largest exporter of LNG with WA accounting for $15.8 billion in sales.

In September, the government committed $50 million in funding to stimulate local demand for green hydrogen in the transport and industrial sectors, to help WA meet its emissions reductions targets and to progress in its ambition to become a green energy exporter.