Launceston airport’s green hydrogen project

Spare land at Launceston airport will be used for the development of a multi-purpose green hydrogen project following an agreement with ReNu Energy Limited.

Australia Pacific Airports (Launceston) (APAL) and ReNu subsidiary Countrywide Hydrogen signed a MoU with Countrywide to begin project design for an initial facility size of up to five megawatts (MW).

The project will be based on a solar array on vacant airport land to provide behind the meter (BTM) electricity and will be designed with the potential to be scaled up as demand increases.

BTM power will assist to minimise the cost of hydrogen production as well as the price for its supply to customers.

Countrywide managing director Geoffrey Drucker said: “We are incredibly excited about the number of complementary hub opportunities this collaboration could afford Northern Tasmania, including hydrogen refuelling for bus and truck operators looking to decarbonise their vehicle fleet, while offering fuel cell vehicle servicing, maintenance and upskilling.

“There is potential for Tas Gas to install a new gas reticulation system at Western Junction delivering a decarbonised natural gas network for TRANSlink. the local commercial and industrial zone.”

APAL CEO Shane O’Hare said such a project would support the company’s ambitious emissions reduction targets – the company has a target of net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025.

O’Hare said: “It could also support our vision to develop a logistics hub at Western Junction encompassing road, rail and air.

“The ability for heavy transport to refuel here using hydrogen would also support the Tasmanian government’s emissions reduction targets.”

The announcement comes hot on the heels of ReNu Energy and superannuation fund HESTA signing a non binding term sheet for the fund to invest up to $100 million in ReNu green hydrogen projects.

Picture: ReNu Energy