Australia
Demonstration and Deployment
Hydrogen Demonstration Program Overviews
Ergon Energy
Currently, the project is being run by Ergon Energy, a Queensland-based electricity distributor. Ergon Energy has identified distributed generation as a way it can maintain quality power supply to its customers in a sustainable manner. Ergon Energy selected hydrogen fuel cell technology to demonstrate the concept of distributor-owned, residentially sized generation for network support.
Located in Cairns Queensland, the trial connects a Plug Power GenCore fuel cell through an inverter to supply electricity directly to the power network. The project is examining technology selection and procurement, regulatory issues for using fuel cells and hydrogen in Queensland, fueling, and connection of the fuel cell to the grid. Ergon Energy intends to gain experience using fuel cells for grid support and assess the potential role of fuel cells as a future stationary energy option in Australia. http://www.ergon.com.au
Telstra
Telstra, an Australian telecommunications company, is trialling a 5kw fuel cell system at its headquarters in Melbourne. The fuel cell is being tested as a potential complementary technology for back up power at remote solar powered sites.
Past Projects
Two demonstration projects, the Perth Ecobus Fuel Cell Bus Trial and the Australian Antarctic Division Hydrogen Demonstration Project at Mawson Base in Antarctica, both finished in 2007.
Hydrogen Filling Stations (Nationwide)
None
Hydrogen Vehicles Involved in Demonstration Programs
None
Stationary Fuel Cells
Total of 2 stationary fuel cells (size to be advised)
Demonstrations Involving Other Types of Fuel Cell Applications
None reported
Links
Perth Ecobus Fuel Cell Bus Trial
National Hydrogen Materials Alliance (NHMA)
Additional Information
Australia has developed a Hydrogen Technology Roadmap and a Hydrogen Activity Statement to assess Australia's hydrogen research capabilities and strengths and to identify the actions Australia could take to prepare for the emergence of a hydrogen economy.
Last updated April 30, 2009