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- Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and AGL Energy (AGL) are teaming up to consider re-purposing coal-fired power plants into green hydrogen production facilities
- The energy giant and FMG’s green spin out business have agreed to carry out a feasibility study to repurpose AGL’s infrastructure at the Liddell and Bayswater power stations
- It was estimated in 2019 that Liddell and Bayswater, both located in the NSW Hunter Valley, accounted for 40 per cent of the state’s carbon dioxide emissions
- The two parties believe initial renewable electricity production, using renewables, could be 250 megawatts – generating 30,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year
- Shares in AGL are up 0.54 per cent to $5.55 at 1:52 pm AEDT
Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and AGL Energy (AGL) are teaming up to consider re-purposing coal-fired power plants into green hydrogen production facilities.
The energy giant and FMG’s green spin-out business have agreed to carry out a feasibility study to repurpose AGL’s infrastructure at the Liddell and Bayswater power stations.
Both plants are located in the NSW’s Hunter Valley and were estimated to account for 40 per cent of the state’s total carbon dioxide emissions, as of 2019.
The new green hydrogen power plants will be re-named the Hunter Valley Industrial Clean Energy Hub.
Depending on the feasibility study, AGL and FFI believe the initial renewable electricity production from the hub, using renewables, could be 250 megawatts.
AGL Managing Director and CEO Graeme Hunt explained that was enough power to generate 30,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.
“It’s clear that green hydrogen has a critical role to play in our future energy mix and we are excited to explore this proposed development,” he said.
“The proposed development plays a significant role in AGL’s plans for an integrated industrial ‘Hunter Energy Hub’ which would be powered by clean energy, delivered through grid-scale batteries, solar thermal storage, wind, pumped hydro and the co-location of industry.”
FFI Chairman Andrew Forrest added that the future Hunter Valley Industrial Clean Energy Hub would be a major employer within NSW.
“FFI’s goal is to turn regional Australia into the global green energy heartland and create thousands of jobs now and so many more in the future,” he said.
“Green hydrogen is the only true zero-carbon, zero-methane fuel – every other type of hydrogen requires the burning of fossil fuels.
“It is a practical, implementable solution that can collapse emissions and create strong economies worldwide if leaders like Graeme are fully supported by global investors and local government alike.”
Shares in AGL are up 0.54 per cent to $5.55 at 1:52 pm AEDT.
