Denham trials Horizon Power renewable hydrogen to cut diesel and fossil fuel emissions

A remote town in the Gascoyne has become the first in Australia to host a renewable hydrogen microgrid, helping to power the community, after the diesel-alternative trial was launched last Friday.

In a bid to provide a greener pathway to future energy sources and reduce reliance on diesel, the $9.3 million Denham Hydrogen Demonstration Plant was powered up on Friday.

The hydrogen plant is built at the existing Denham Power Station and connects to the power station switchboard, similar to a diesel generator.

Horizon Power said the trial would create electricity from the reaction between hydrogen gas and water in a fuel cell, creating “green energy” that can be fed directly into the power system.

The plant is expected to be able to power the average demands of 100 households, or 20 per cent of Denham’s residents and businesses.

Horizon Power said the project, when connected to Denham’s existing power supply, would cut 140,000 litres of diesel each year.

The plant includes a 704kW solar farm, 348kW hydrogen electrolyser, and a 100kW fuel cell.

Shire of Shark Bay president Cheryl Cowell said the hydrogen trial was a breakthrough for the future of renewable energy, and the community had embraced the concept.

“As a community we’re really enthused about renewables and recycling,” she said.

“We’re happy to be the first regional area in WA to trial this.”

Cr Cowell said it was fantastic to hear Horizon Power wouldn’t be installing any more diesel generators in the area.

“Hydrogen is a reliable fuel 24/7, you don’t need wind or sun,” she said.

“It’s quite a big investment, the production price could be brought down to make hydrogen more affordable.

“We’re happy we’ve been chosen to be the first. There’s a lot of investigation to go through to make sure it’s viable as an energy source and Denham will be a trial for that.”

Energy Minister Bill Johnston congratulated Horizon Power for delivering the renewable hydrogen microgrid, and said it was the first step to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“The demonstration in Denham is extending knowledge of hydrogen technology and systems in practice and considers how this technology can be used in other remote power systems,” he said.

Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the trial would build critical skills and understanding to move along as a producer and user of renewable hydrogen.

“Once fully operational the plant will show how renewable hydrogen can be used to replace diesel and other fossil fuels,” she said.

Horizon Power is planning a community launch in March 2023.