ABB to support Asia–Pacific clean energy project

The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) pilot project aims to safely and efficiently produce clean hydrogen in Australia and transport it to Japan, in one of the world’s first efforts to commercialise technology to liquefy and transport hydrogen. The project aims to test the production of hydrogen gas through brown coal gasification, liquefaction of hydrogen gas, storage and loading onto the world’s first specialised carrier for transport across the Asia–Pacific.

The landmark HESC pilot project has the potential to create $2 billion in exports nationally, positioning Australia as a global leader in hydrogen production. The Australian Government has described the pilot project as a ‘crucial step’ towards Australia becoming an international leader in hydrogen production, with the Australian and Victorian Governments pledging $50 million each to the $500 million HESC pilot project. Construction of the small-scale pilot facilities at the Port of Hastings commenced in 2019, and the pilot phase will operate for approximately one year from 2020.

ABB has been awarded orders in both Australia and Japan, winning an electrification and instrumentation contract in Australia and an automation contract in Japan from KHI.

“ABB is excited to collaborate on this world-first pilot to commercialise technology for liquefying and transporting hydrogen from Australia and deliver clean energy to Japan, while also reducing emissions,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Industrial Automation business. “As a technology leader, our high-quality products and solutions are matched by our global experience and an innovative spirit.”

Kevin Kosisko, Managing Director, ABB Energy Industries, added: “Worldwide, we are leveraging our competency in the energy industries to support our customers in major projects with potential to generate greener and more sustainable energy sources for tomorrow’s world.”

In Australia, ABB will supply and integrate electrical equipment including LV switchgear and distribution panels, power quality components, UPS, end-to-end engineering, project management and commissioning services, as well as instrumentation, motor and gearboxes for the new Hydrogen Liquefaction and Loading Terminal at the Port of Hastings in Victoria. At the terminal, hydrogen gas produced by brown coal gasification at the Latrobe Valley will be liquefied and stored.

In Japan, there is a liquid hydrogen receiving terminal at Kobe. ABB Bailey Japan Ltd., which has expertise in LNG cryogenic terminals, will provide an automation and safety system to support the local operations.

Hydrogen is anticipated to supply up to a fifth of global energy needs and generate a market worth US$2.5 trillion by 2050. With the world’s fifth-largest total energy consumption, yet low natural resources of coal, oil and gas, Japan considers hydrogen as integral to meeting its future transportation and power generation requirements. Liquefication supports in reducing hydrogen to 1/800th of its volume for more efficient transportation over long distances, with its long-term use as a fuel considered a potential solution for lowering greenhouse gas emissions.