AGL-led consortium to study green hydrogen energy hub dev’t at Torrens Island

This will cater to users in South Australia and interstate, and even export markets.

A consortium of high-profile industry players led by AGL Energy Limited (AGL) will be conducting a feasibility study for the development of a green hydrogen production facility at the energy firm’s Torrens Island site.

In a statement, AGL said the study will show the commercial and technical feasibility of establishing a renewable hydrogen hub and the production of hydrogen-derived products at Torrens Island and will provide power to consumers in South Australia, interstate, and export markets.

It added that the study which is being carried out by independent advisory firm GHD will map key operational and commercial plans for the project and provide a production timeline, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

“This is another big step forward in AGL’s vision for an industrial energy hub at the site of our Torrens Island Power Station and we are coming closer to repurpose the site,” AGL COO Markus Brokhof said, adding that this will play a crucial role in providing a clean hydrogen industry in Adelaide and South Australia.

Brokhof added that South Australia is emerging as a leader in the development of a hydrogen industry following a major investment by the State Government in the sector.

AGL said the consortium partners that have signed memorandums of understanding include cement, lime and pre-packaged dry-blended products manufacturer Adbri, building products manufacturer Brickworks, and port operator Flinders Ports.

Also amongst the partners were global energy exploration and production firm Inpex Corporation, global natural gas and power firm Osaka Gas Australia, eco-friendly business solutions, projects and infrastructure firm SK ecoplant, and renewable energy developer and owner Spark Renewables.

“Torrens Island is perfectly positioned as a future energy hub with strong grid connectivity, access to South Australia’s growing renewable energy portfolio and firming technology, nearby industry and potential large green hydrogen users, a highly-skilled local workforce, and connections to Port Adelaide with avenues for export,” Brokhof said.

He said that they have already decommissioned four fuel oil tanks, and six tank bases, and have completed the removal of two gantry cranes. The company is also developing a 250-megawatt (MW) battery. This also comes following the completion of the Barker Inlet Power Station which can use green hydrogen manufactured at the site.

AGL has invested $4.8b in renewable and firming generation in the past  20 years and added over 2,350MW of new generation capacity to the grid since 2003.

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