CIC and GE Vernova plan hydrogen plants that draw water from the air

Climate Impact Corporation (CIC) and GE Vernova have announced plans for two massive hydrogen projects in outback South Australia and the Northern Territory that would draw water from the atmosphere for electrolysis for conversion to hydrogen.

They plan two 10MWH green hydrogen projects that are modular in design, each with atmospheric water generators, solar panels and electrolysers.

The technology opens up new areas with good solar radiation but poor water supply or areas not connected to the grid to potential solar hydrogen development and would require a local manufacturing supply chain.

The companies recently met SA Deputy Premier Hon Susan Close (pictured) to seek her support and said: “CIC and its partners including GE Vernova discussed how module development in Australia would include a local supply chain, with the electrolysers and other critical elements of the modules to be potentially manufactured in Adelaide.”

Chairman and Co-Founder of CIC David Green said the approach would unlock inland hydrogen production opportunities in solar-rich outback locations.

Green said: “Renewable hydrogen production requires a significant amount of energy and water, which aren’t often found together in places like Australia.

“Rather than repeating the same approach, we’re looking to solve this challenge by creating modules that use Australia’s abundant solar resources, combined with proven atmospheric water generation technology.

“It’s an approach that solves one of the biggest challenges Australia has faced in becoming a renewable hydrogen superpower, and we’re excited to be bringing it to market first in Australia.”

CIC signed agreements with strategic partners including JA Solar, Sungrow Hydrogen and Shuangliang Hydrogen during the inauguration of a project-related Australian office in Darwin.

“Importantly, the company has now secured offtake buyers for enough Australian-produced renewable hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives to support the development of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects in Australia.

“CIC’s 10GW projects would be by far the largest renewable hydrogen projects developed in Australia to date.”

Green called on Australian governments to embrace the opportunity ahead of them.

Green said: “We’re speaking to leaders in Adelaide and Darwin about renewable hydrogen projects in their states and territories, as well as component manufacturing, that will provide ongoing jobs for hundreds of people while producing zero-carbon fuels.

“Government support on permitting, streamlining approvals process, and ensuring suitable sites are available would accelerate this investment significantly.”

Picture: SA Deputy Premier Susan Close meets with Climate Impact Corporation and GE Vernova at Parliament House, Adelaide