Study to find hydrogen link to gas pipeline

A study to determine how hydrogen could be introduced into the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline has received more than $200,000 in State Government funding.

The project will examine the compatibility of the 1550km gas pipeline to be mixed with blended hydrogen, while investigating the integration of renewable hydrogen with isolated power stations.

The $450,000 project has received $216,000 in funding from the McGowan Government as part of the Renewable Hydrogen Fund, with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group to contribute the remaining $234,000.

AGIG chief executive Ben Wilson said the pipeline was strategically located to store and transport hydrogen produced in the Pilbara, Gascoyne, and Mid West regions into the commercial and industrial hubs of the Perth and Peel regions.

“AGIG generally supports these projects, but we must only proceed in a manner that ensures public safety is maintained,” he said.

Mr Wilson said there was “currently no pre-defined method of introducing hydrogen into such large-scale assets as the Dampier to Bunbury link”.

“However, gas transmission pipelines offer greater challenges due to the diversity of gas users and higher operating pressures,” he said. “AGIG is prepared to invest, therefore, in a number of studies to determine the best manner of introducing hydrogen into the Dampier Bunbury Pipeline.”

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Western Australia needed to explore how it could produce, use, and provide energy to international partners through clean and reliable sources.

“This feasibility studies will facilitate significant private sector investment and leverage financial support for a job-creating renewable hydrogen industry in WA,” she said.

“The projects being investigated have the potential to create new jobs, skills, and training opportunities — particularly in regional Western Australia.”

As part of the grants, a feasibility study, run by Murdoch University, to design a 100 per cent renewable energy standalone power system for an indigenous community in the Pilbara, received $75,000.