Hype builds around natural hydrogen
Increasing belief in the potential of natural hydrogen was on display at the inaugural Australian Natural Hydrogen Conference today.
About 130 people were at the Adelaide Hills venue, with dozens more tuning in virtually, to hear how Australia has become a leader in the hunt for a near carbon-zero energy source.
Former foreign minister and Gold Hydrogen chair Alexander Downer, opening the conference, painted a strong picture of the role for natural hydrogen.
Gold Hydrogen chairman Alexander Downer opens the conference.
“Natural hydrogen can make a really serious economic contribution to the energy solution,” the Adelaide local said.
Global warming was an “objective fact” but solutions were “a problem of economics”.
Politicians were promising cheaper energy, but the truth was it was going to be more expensive to pursue most green technologies. Natural hydrogen was a cheaper alternative.
“It would be good if we got more political support for the work that is being done in trying to exploit natural hydrogen.”
Meanwhile, Mr Downer said geo-politics had ramifications for energy security. He tipped a Donald Trump victory in the US election and said: “The West is facing the most severe challenge it has since 1945.”
The massive growth in interest around natural hydrogen was highlighted by Chris Cubitt, South Australia’s Department for Energy and Mining’s Head of Basin Prospectivity.
The state has 40 live permit applications in front of it.
“It is still early days in this industry. But the experience in South Australia has shown that if you have a regulatory framework….and access to historical data and an entrepreneurial spirit…….the exploration for natural hydrogen is a reality.”
Paul Heithersay, chief executive of the department, pointed to the $593 million capital funding the state had put towards their hydrogen jobs plan as evidence of how serious the opportunity was.
Geoscience Australia’s Andrew Feitz had good news for the industry in that it would likely be eligible for new Hydrogen Production Tax Incentives, which will provide a $2 incentive per kilogram of renewable hydrogen.
Another bonus for the industry was the $3.5 billion committed over 35 years that would allow deep dive reviews into critical mineral deposits across the country, including hydrogen.
However, he said official support could not be taken for granted for natural hydrogen. It had been a battle to have it included in the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy.
“The inclusion of natural hydrogen was not a shoo-in. It’s not as prominent as some may wish, but at least it’s in there.”
The first movers in Australian natural hydrogen exploration, Gold Hydrogen, threw back the curtains on their drilling results.
Frank Glass, chief exploration advisor, said it was “a very brave exploration adventure”.
He and geologist consultant Julien Bourdet shared results of the proof-point for the industry in this country. They had proved the gas existed; had brought it to surface and were developing new and better drill targets.
Meanwhile, the reasons South Australia was currently the capital of natural hydrogen exploration were demonstrated by another explorer company, Gehyra Energy.
Managing director Marshall Hood said they were focussing on the state because of “the historic finds and diverse potential of source development”.
His company alone was investigating potential hydrogen generation from three separate methods in the state: Radiolysis, ferrolysis and mantle source.
New technologies to grow hydrogen use are also picking up pace, highlighted by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group. Owen Sharpe told of a home being trialled in Melbourne where the gas appliances were supplied 100% by hydrogen.
After a welter of technical information on the advances being made in natural hydrogen exploration, Scandi venture capitalist Morten Stahl finished the day highlighting the high interest in private investment in hydrogen pioneers.His soon-to-be-launched NatH2investing.com will track the progress of listed hydrogen companies worldwide.
Day two tomorrow features international speakers from two of the biggest players in the natural hydrogen world – Tom Darrah (Koloma) and Julie Daws (Helios Aragon).
A big crowd gathers for the opening of the conference.
This is a groundbreaking event where industry leaders are sharing their expertise and vision for the future of natural hydrogen. Be part of the conversation driving Australia's energy transition.
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