Lion Energy wins approval for Brisbane green hydrogen project

Oil and gas developer Lion Energy has obtained development approval from the Queensland State Assessment and Referral Agency for its hydrogen generation and refuelling hub in the Port of Brisbane.

The government’s approval represents a key milestone for the project, which will now proceed to the construction phase.

Lion understands that only a handful of green hydrogen projects have already received State approval to date, according to a statement.

Lion’s Executive Chairman Tom Soulsby said: “The approval represents the first of its kind for an integrated green hydrogen generation and distribution facility in Brisbane, and, arguably, the first of its kind in a major capital city in Australia.

“The location at PoB is highly strategic due to its proximity to the majority of Brisbane 70+ bus depots, and also the significant heavy vehicle traffic to and from the Port.

“Our site will initially produce and dispense some 420kg green hydrogen per day, but with the ability to quickly double production to respond to increasing demand.”

The Hydrogen Hub is geared towards heavy mobility fleets with an early focus on supplying hydrogen to domestic public bus fleets, truck fleets, and fuel cell gensets for the construction and mining industry.

“Lion intends to utilise readily available renewable electricity through the procurement of Large-Scale Generation certificates or alternatively, source electricity directly from existing renewable energy suppliers.

“Lion is also working with PoB to investigate a potential investment into solar energy supply at the Port which offers substantial potential roof-top solar capacity.”

The facility at the PoB will include all equipment required to generate and dispense green hydrogen, as well as the ability to load compressed hydrogen onto tube trailers for transportation to other sites/spokes/depots.

Lion has procured key equipment, including 2 electrolysers with inherent redundancy for reliable supply of green hydrogen, compressors and a dispensing package.

Lion expects to start construction in Q2 2024, with commissioning of the facility by H2 2024.

Further reading:
Lion Energy explores Queensland green hydrogen

Picture: Tom Soulsby