“bp strongly supports the Australian government‎’s focus on technology and the Technology ‎Investment Roadmap, which identified hydrogen as priority low-emission technology essential for ‎the decarbonization of industrial processes. I am confident this study will make a valuable ‎contribution to the government’s strategy to accelerate emerging technologies, and I thank the ‎government for its support.‎”‎

First announced in May 2020, the feasibility study was supported by GHD Advisory, Lightsource bp ‎and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). It simultaneously considered the financial ‎and technical implications for a fully integrated renewable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.The study examined the hydrogen supply chain and domestic and export markets at two scales: a ‎demonstration/pilot scale (4,000 tonnes of hydrogen making up to 20,000 tonnes of ‎ammonia) and commercial scale (200,000 tonnes of hydrogen making up to 1 million tonnes of ‎ammonia). It considered three different hydrogen production technologies, and the plant power ‎source was modelled as a mix of solar and wind with some battery support. This renewable power ‎modelling was completed by Lightsource bp.‎The study highlighted that, depending on the location and scale, significant additional infrastructure ‎investment would be required – particularly for port, electricity and water services.‎The study found that distribution could be customised to suit customer requirements, including ‎gaseous or liquid hydrogen or ammonia via pipeline, truck, train or ship.Economic returns were also explored, and it was found that for this to be effectively understood the ‎renewable hydrogen and ammonia markets need to be further advanced. The study found that ‎significant scale will be required for general hydrogen fuel use to be commercially viable.ARENA CEO Darren Miller said: ‎“bp‎’s analysis of the economic opportunity presented by renewable ‎hydrogen will help Australia determine how it can be scaled-up to satisfy future demand. The report ‎represents a vital building block in our pathway to creating a fully integrated renewable hydrogen ‎supply chain, allowing Australia to become leaders in a future export industry.”Jason Fonti, GHD Advisory’s origination and value chain leader, added: “The magic figure is ‎producing hydrogen below $2 per kilo and the pathway to get there is becoming clearer. The study ‎has highlighted that, through innovation, talent, commitment and collaboration, Western Australia ‎can become one of the major exporters of hydrogen in the global market.”