Provaris Energy’s compressed hydrogen export study available for public viewing
Provaris’ study indicated utilising an offshore loading solution could speed up the progress of green hydrogen export initiatives while encountering fewer technical challenges and leaving a more reduced environmental impact.
The Western Australian government has released Provaris Energy’s (ASX: PV1) Compressed Hydrogen Export feasibility study for viewing online by the general public.
The study, which can be viewed here, analysed the compression and export of 200,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen from a proposed HyEnergy hydrogen production facility located in the Gascoyne region.
The development will include compression facilities, an outgoing pipeline to an offshore loading terminal, a fleet of proprietary ‘H2Neo’ 26,000 cubic metre green hydrogen carriers, and an import terminal in Singapore.
Technically and commercially feasible
The study indicated a compressed hydrogen export supply chain would be a technically and commercially feasible method for the offshore loading and export of green hydrogen, with an average delivery rate of over 98% of the target annual throughput.
It demonstrated an offshore loading solution could accelerate the development of greenfield hydrogen export projects with minimal technical barriers and smaller environmental footprints.
Initial hazards identification and environmental impact assessments indicated there would be no significant constraints which would prevent the study from progressing to the next stage of design and development.
Optimisation activities have been identified to further mature the study outcomes, including the use of Provaris’ larger-scale 120,000 cubic metre ‘H2Max’ carrier which is expected improve the costs of hydrogen transport.
Study grant
Provaris’ hydrogen export feasibility study received a $300,000 grant in Round 2 of the WA Renewable Hydrogen Fund in September 2021.
The money was awarded for the purposes of evaluating the technical and commercial feasibility of exporting green hydrogen to the Asia Pacific region from the Gascoyne utilising a compressed hydrogen shipping solution.
The study was supported by specialist consultants including WSP Global, Oropesa, APL NOV, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), Turner & Townsend, Paaras Marine Solutions and GHD Group.
Reliable method
Provaris managing director Martin Carolan said compression was a proven, safe and reliable method of storing and transporting hydrogen onshore.
“The outcomes of this study continue to demonstrate that a compressed hydrogen supply chain for marine storage and transport solution can accelerate the development of greenfield hydrogen export projects with the flexibility to also cater to offshore loading requirements and variable renewable energy production profiles,” he said.
“We look forward to incorporating these outcomes into the project’s pre-feasibility study,” Mr Carolan added.