Australia

Hydrogen has been long known to provide a solution toward clean energy systems. With this notion many efforts have been made to find new ways of storing hydrogen. As a result decades of studies has led to a wide range of hydrides that can store hydrogen in a solid form. Applications of these solid-state hydrides are well-suited to stationary applications. However the main challenge arises in making the selection of the Metal Hydrides (MH) that are best suited to meet application requirements. Herein we discuss the current state-of-art in controlling the properties of room temperature (RT) hydrides suitable for stationary application and their long term behavior in addition to initial activation their limitations and emerging trends to design better storage materials. The hydrogen storage properties and synthesis methods to alter the properties of these MH are discussed including the emerging approach of high-entropy alloys. In addition the integration of intermetallic hydrides in vessels their operation with fuel cells and their use as thermal storage is reviewed.

Electrocatalysts are capable of transforming water into hydrogen oxygen and therefore into energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. However the limitations in the research of high performance catalysts act as an obstructer in the development of using water as green energy. Here we report on a delicate method to prepare novel bimetallic metal organic framework derived electrocatalysts (C–NiCu–BDC–GO–CC) using graphene oxide (GO) modified carbon cloth as a 3D flexible and conductive substrate. The resultant electrocatalyst C–NiCu–BDC– GO–CC exhibited very low electron transfer resistance which benefited from its extremely thin 3D sponge-like morphology. Furthermore it showed excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity achieving 10 mA/cm2 at a low overpotential of 390 mV in 1 M KOH electrolyte with a remarkable durability of 10 h.

Hydrogen storage in nanoporous materials has been attracting a great deal of attention in recent years as high gravimetric H2 capacities exceeding 10 wt% in some cases can be achieved at 77 K using materials with particularly high surface areas. However volumetric capacities at low temperatures and both gravimetric and volumetric capacities at ambient temperature need to be improved before such adsorbents become practically viable. This article therefore discusses approaches to increasing the gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage capacities of nanoporous materials and maximizing the usable capacity of a material between the upper storage and delivery pressures. In addition recent advances in machine learning and data science provide an opportunity to apply this technology to the search for new materials for hydrogen storage. The large number of possible component combinations and substitutions in various porous materials including Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is ideally suited to a machine learning approach; so this is also discussed together with some new material types that could prove useful in the future for hydrogen storage applications.

About 400 million tonnes of plastics are produced per annum worldwide. End-of-life of plastics disposal contaminates the waterways aquifers and limits the landfill areas. Options for recycling plastic wastes include feedstock recycling mechanical /material recycling industrial energy recovery municipal solid waste incineration. Incineration of plastics containing E-Wastes releases noxious odours harmful gases dioxins HBr polybrominated diphenylethers and other hydrocarbons. This study focusses on recycling options in particular feedstock recycling of plastics in high-temperature materials processing for a sustainable solution to the plastic wastes not suitable for recycling. Of the 7% CO₂ emissions attributed to the iron and steel industry worldwide ∼30% of the carbon footprint is reduced using the waste plastics compared to other carbon sources in addition to energy savings. Plastics have higher H₂ content than the coal. Hydrogen evolved from the plastics acts as the reductant alongside the carbon monoxide. Hydrogen reduction of iron ore in presence of plastics increases the reaction rates due to higher diffusion of H₂ compared to CO. Plastic replacement reduces the process temperature by at least 100–200 °C due to the reducing gases (hydrogen) which enhance the energy efficiency of the process. Similarly plastics greatly reduce the emissions in other high carbon footprint process such as magnesia production while contributing to energy.

To achieve the Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature goal current energy systems must be transformed. Australia represents an interesting case for energy system transformation modelling: with a power system dominated by fossil fuels and specifically with a heavy coal component there is at the same time a vast potential for expansion and use of renewables. We used the multi-sectoral Australian Energy Modelling System (AUSeMOSYS) to perform an integrated analysis of implications for the electricity transport and selected industry sectors to the mid-century. The state-level resolution allows representation of regional discrepancies in renewable supply and the quantification of inter-regional grid extensions necessary for the physical integration of variable renewables. We investigated the impacts of different CO₂ budgets and selected key factors on energy system transformation. Results indicate that coal-fired generation has to be phased out completely by 2030 and a fully renewable electricity supply achieved in the 2030s according to the cost-optimal pathway implied by the 1.5 °C Paris Agreement-compatible carbon budget. Wind and solar PV can play a dominant role in decarbonizing Australia’s energy system with continuous growth of demand due to the strong electrification of linked energy sectors.

Arup have conducted interviews with targeted industry and government stakeholders to gather data and perspectives to support the development of this study. Arup have also utilised private and publicly available data sources building on recent work undertaken by Geoscience Australia and Deloitte and the comprehensive stakeholder engagement process to inform our research. This study considers the supply chain and infrastructure requirements to support the development of export and domestic hubs. The study aims to provide a succinct “Hydrogen Hubs” report for presentation to the hydrogen working group.



The hydrogen supply chain infrastructure required to produce hydrogen for export and domestic hubs was identified along with feedback from the stakeholder engagement process. These infrastructure requirements can be used to determine the factors for assessing export and domestic hub opportunities. Hydrogen production pathways transportation mechanisms and uses were also further evaluated to identify how hubs can be used to balance supply and demand of hydrogen.



A preliminary list of current or anticipated locations has been developed through desktop research Arup project knowledge and the stakeholder consultation process. Over 30 potential hydrogen export locations have been identified in Australia through desktop research and the stakeholder survey and consultation process. In addition to establishing export hubs the creation of domestic demand hubs will be essential to the development of an Australian hydrogen economy. It is for this reason that a list of criteria has been developed for stakeholders to consider in the siting and design of hydrogen hubs. The key considerations explored are based on demand supply chain infrastructure and investment and policy areas.



Based on these considerations a list of criteria were developed to assess the viability of export and domestic hydrogen hubs. Criteria relevant to assessing the suitability of export and domestic hubs include:

• Health and safety provisions;
• Environmental considerations;
• Economic and social considerations;
• Land availability with appropriate zoning and buffer distances & ownership (new terminals storage solar PV industries etc.);•
• Availability of gas pipeline infrastructure;
• Availability of electricity grid connectivity backup energy supply or co-location of renewables;
• Road & rail infrastructure (site access);
• Community and environmental concerns and weather. Social licence consideration;
• Berths (berthing depth ship storage loading facilities existing LNG and/or petroleum infrastructure etc.);
• Port potential (current capacity & occupancy expandability & scalability);
• Availability of or potential for skilled workers (construction & operation);
• Availability of or potential for water (recycled & desalinated);
• Opportunity for co-location with industrial ammonia production and future industrial opportunities;
• Interest (projects priority ports state development areas politics etc.);
• Shipping distance to target market (Japan & South Korea);
• Availability of demand-based infrastructure (i.e. refuelling stations).

A framework that includes the assessment criteria has been developed to aid decision making rather than recommending specific locations that would be most appropriate for a hub. This is because there are so many dynamic factors that go into selecting a location of a hydrogen hub that it is not appropriate to be overly prescriptive or prevent stakeholders from selecting the best location themselves or from the market making decisions based on its own research and knowledge. The developed framework rather provides information and support to enable these decision-making processes.

In this report for the first time it has been observed that proton-conducting oxide BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3−δ (BZCY) has significant promotion effect on the catalytic activity of Ni towards ammonia synthesis from hydrogen and nitrogen. Renewable hydrogen can be used for ammonia synthesis to save CO₂ emission. By investigating the operating parameters of the reaction the optimal conditions for this catalyst were identified. It was found that at 620 °C with a total flow rate of 200 mL min−1 and a H₂/N₂ mol ratio of 3 an activity of approximately 250 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ can be achieved. This is ten times larger than that for the unpromoted Ni catalyst under the same conditions although the stability of both catalysts in the presence of steam was not good. The specific activity of Ni supported on proton-conducting oxide BZCY is approximately 72 times higher than that of Ni supported on non-proton conductor M_gO-C_eO₂. These promotion effects were suspected to be due to the proton conducting nature of the support. Therefore it is proposed that the use of proton conducting support materials with highly active ammonia synthesis catalysts such as Ru and Fe will provide improved activity of at lower temperatures.

In a report co-authored by Columbia University’s Centre on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) and the Global CCS Institute titled ‘Net Zero and Geospheric Return: Actions today for 2030’ findings reveal that climate finance policies and the development of carbon dioxide removal technologies need to grow rapidly within the next 10 years in order to curb climate change and hit net-zero targets.

The report unveils key climate actions required to avoid climate catastrophe:

With 2020 set to close the hottest decade on record CO2 emissions need to drop by 50% to achieve net-zero climate goals by 2030 The rapid deployment of climate mitigating infrastructure needs to occur including the expansion of CO2 pipelines from the current 8000 km to 43000 km by 2030 Clear climate polices which reduce the financial and regulatory risk of CO2 capture and storage and increase CO2 storage options need to be quickly developed and implemented.

Link to document on Global CCS Institute Website

This discussion paper is for stakeholders who would like to shape the development of Victoria’s emerging green hydrogen sector identifying competitive advantages and priority focus areas for industry and the Victorian Government.<br/>The Victorian Government is using this paper to focus on the economic growth and sector development opportunities emerging for a Victorian hydrogen industry powered by renewable energy also known as ‘green’ hydrogen. In addition this paper seeks input from all stakeholders on how where and when the Victorian Government can act to establish a thriving green hydrogen economy.<br/>Although green hydrogen is the only type of hydrogen production within the scope of this discussion paper the development of the VHIP aligns with the policies projects and initiatives which support these other forms of hydrogen production. The VHIP is considering the broad policy landscape and actively coordinating with related hydrogen programs policies and strategies under development including the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council’s National Hydrogen Strategy to ensure a complementary approach. In Victoria there are several programs and strategies in development and underway that have linkages with hydrogen and the VHIP.

Owing to the high hydrogen content hydrocarbons are considered as an alternative source for hydrogen energy purposes. Complete decomposition of hydrocarbons results in the formation of gaseous hydrogen and solid carbonaceous by-product. The process is complicated by the methane formation reaction when the released hydrogen interacts with the formed carbon deposits. The present study is focused on the effects of the reaction mixture composition. Variations in the inlet hydrogen and methane concentrations were found to influence the carbon product’s morphology and the hydrogen production efficiency. The catalyst containing NiO (82 wt%) CuO (13 wt%) and Al2O3 (5 wt%) was prepared via a mechanochemical activating procedure. Kinetics of the catalytic process of hydrocarbons decomposition was studied using a reactor equipped with McBain balances. The effects of the process parameters were explored in a tubular quartz reactor with chromatographic analysis of the outlet gaseous products. In the latter case the catalyst was loaded piecemeal. The texture and morphology of the produced carbon deposits were investigated by nitrogen adsorption and electron microscopy techniques.