Exploring Clean Energy

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy sits down with Corbin Luther, E-Mobility Solutions Specialist at Volvo Group Australia, to unpack one of the most challenging and exciting frontiers of decarbonisation: heavy vehicles. From electrical infrastructure and driver behaviour to hydrogen fuel cells and renewable diesel, Corbin provides a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at how Volvo is approaching the transition at scale. This conversation moves beyond theory into real-world fleet operations, exploring what is working, what is not, and what the next decade will really look like for Australia’s trucking industry. Show Notes & Timestamps0:00 - Welcome to Exploring Clean EnergyAndy sets the scene for today’s topic: the innovations reshaping freight, logistics, and heavy vehicles.1:05 - Introducing Today’s Guest: Corbin Luther (Volvo Group Australia)Corbin outlines Volvo’s structure globally and in Australia, including the role of Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks in local manufacturing.3:45 - How Big is Volvo in the EV Trucking Space?Discussion of global volumes, Australian production, and the rapid rise to 117 electric trucks now on the road, with more than 50 delivered this year.6:10 - What Makes E-Mobility Technically Challenging in Australia?Corbin breaks down:The constraints of aging electrical infrastructureLong distances vs short-haul suitabilityMarket misconceptions about what electric trucks are designed forFitting technology to specific applications11:40 - Driver Behaviour: The Make-or-Break VariableHow telematics, regen braking, and driving style impact EV range, and why driver training is essential for fleets moving to electric.16:30 - From Resistance to Enthusiasm: Changing Attitudes to EV TrucksReal-world stories of sceptical drivers who change their minds within minutes of getting behind the wheel.19:30 - Charging Infrastructure: The Volvo ApproachVolvo’s advisory role, partnerships with charging companies, and why they stay out of owning physical charging hubs.23:05 - Decarbonising Heavy Transport: Electric, Hydrogen and Renewable Diesel (HVO)A detailed breakdown of:Hydrogen fuel-cell trucks under development in EuropeHow HVO works and why it is a promising transition fuelEuropean advancements and realistic timelines for change30:50 - Fit for Purpose: Why There Is No One-Size-Fits-All SolutionHow Volvo assesses a customer’s fleet, routes, power costs and operational realities before recommending EV adoption.37:20 - The Economics: Total Cost of Ownership and the Sweet SpotWhy electricity price, kilometres travelled, and utilisation all determine whether an EV truck makes financial sense.43:00 - Behaviour Change and Second-Mover AdvantageHow sustainability pressure from customers, supply chains, and even employees is influencing fleet decisions.48:00 - Government Policy: What’s Helping and What’s NotCorbin discusses axle weight restrictions, the pace of ADR changes, and the role of ARENA-funded projects.54:10 - Road Wear, Vehicle Design and the realigning misconceptionsFindings from Volvo and Austroads showing how tyre footprint and suspension design can reduce pavement impact.58:40 - Operational Optimisation: The ‘Hidden’ Decarbonisation ToolRoute planning, idle time, fleet telematics, and the small daily decisions that reduce fuel and emissions.1:04:30 - Battery Performance, Temperature Impacts and Real-World Range ModellingHow Volvo forecasts range using topography, historic traffic data, temperature profiles and aerodynamics.1:10:10 - Looking Ahead: What the Next Decade Will BringPredictions on:Uptake of electric trucksHydrogen’s likely roleGrowth of HVOHow often EV trucks will be seen on Australian roads1:15:00 - Final Thoughts from CorbinWhy the transition is gaining momentum, and why fit-for-purpose solutions will be critical. Guest Bio - Corbin LutherCorbin Luther is the E-Mobility Solutions Specialist at Volvo Group Australia, where he works directly with fleets, operators, and Volvo’s dealer network to support the transition to electric trucks. With a background in transport operations and fleet management, Corbin combines technical insight with deep knowledge of real-world trucking applications, ensuring customers put the right truck on the right job and adopt EVs in a way that is operationally sound, commercially sensible, and driver-friendly. Website: volvotrucks.com.auCorbin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbin-luther-2598651b7/Volvo Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volvo-group/

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Nathan Blundell, Chief Development Officer at Windlab. Together, they explore how one of Australia’s leading renewable energy developers is raising the bar for wind and hybrid projects nationwide. They discuss Windlab’s journey from CSIRO spin-out to a fully integrated developer, the realities of project timelines and approvals, best-practice community engagement, biodiversity net gain, grid connection challenges, and two major Queensland projects set to shape the next phase of Australia’s clean-energy transition.Episode topics & timestamps00:00 - Welcome: How Windlab began, its CSIRO origins, and the evolution of wind development in Australia02:05 - The integrated model: From mapping wind to delivering and operating full-scale renewable projects05:10 - Development lifecycle: Why five to ten years is realistic and how early community engagement reduces risk08:30 - Data and bankability: From LiDAR and met masts to ensuring project certainty11:10 - Community engagement: Listening before telling, regional focus, and building trust early16:05 - Common community concerns: Managing change, benefits, and consultation fatigue19:40 - Industry reputation: Why one poor project can tarnish the whole sector. Windlab’s focus on raising the bar.22:20 - Approvals and the EPBC process: Reform, complexity, and the need for certainty26:50 - Biodiversity net gain: Practical examples from Windlab’s Gawara Baya project in North Queensland30:00 - Site selection: Wind profile, demand centres, grid constraints, and coexistence with agriculture33:15 – Technology improvements and turbine scale: 6-8MW turbines, 150m hub heights, and the limits of logistics37:10 - Construction logistics: Workforce, site access, and the legacy benefits of upgraded infrastructure40:00 - Rising costs: Global pressures, local solutions, and the power of competitive procurement44:00 - Grid innovation: Turning connection risk into advantage with in-house grid engineering48:10 - Project pipeline: Gawara Baya and Bungaban projects —Queensland’s next major renewable builds52:00 - Policy reform: Implementing EPBC changes and “finding a way to do the good things that we must do”55:00 - The decade ahead: Delivery, scale, and getting match-fit for the 2030s57:30 - Follow Windlab: Staying informed via LinkedIn, project websites, and newslettersGuest bioNathan Blundell is the Chief Development Officer at Windlab, leading a $30 billion portfolio and 20 GW development pipeline across Australia. Since joining in 2021, Nathan has overseen some of the nation’s most significant renewable energy projects, including the North Queensland Super Hub, Bungaban Wind, which secured Australia’s largest renewable PPA and Gawara Baya, the first project in the country designed around a biodiversity net-gain strategy. With over 20 years in the global energy sector, Nathan brings deep industry insight and a strong commitment to doing renewables the right way - delivering projects that respect Country, support communities, and protect the planet.LinksWindlab: windlab.comNathan Blundell (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/nathan-blundell-b1601142Windlab (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/windlab

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Michael van Baarle, Executive Chairman & Co-founder of ABEL Energy. Together they unpack green methanol’s role in decarbonising heavy transport, covering the Bell Bay project, sustainable carbon sourcing, hydrogen, electrolyser choices, shipping demand and bunkering, project scale-up, and the policy and investment steps on the road to 2029/30.Episode topics & timestamps00:00 - Welcome: Why methanol belongs in the clean-fuels toolkit; episode overview.02:10 - Methanol 101: CH₃OH, its uses, and why being a liquid matters for storage, handling, and retrofits.06:05 - Shipping’s 3% problem: Clean combustion benefits, particularly near ports; the path from emissions control zones to green fuels.10:00 - Carbon sources at scale: Biomass today, atmospheric CO₂ tomorrow—and the sustainability guardrails.14:25 - Bell Bay “stack” of advantages: Green grid, plantation residues, deep-water berth, workforce, and power connection.18:40 - Project scale: Why ABEL Energy sized Bell Bay to ~360,000 tpa—and how scale drives cost down.23:15 - Global demand signals: New methanol-capable ships, bunkering hubs like Singapore, and meeting EU maritime rules.28:05 - Technology choices: Bankability of tech, electrolyser selection, gasification.33:20 - Water & utilities: Cooling vs. electrolysis demand; options for sourcing and treatment on site.36:10 - Townsville pathway: “Reverse battery” flexibility, partnering with renewables, and behind-the-meter models.41:00 - Policy & economics: Hydrogen production incentives, timelines to FID/operations, and why timing matters.46:00 - Road to 2029/30: Funding, FEED readiness, and de-risking first-of-a-kind at Australian scale.50:15 - What’s next: How listeners can follow ABEL Energy and help champion a new export industry.Guest bioMichael van Baarle is the Executive Chairman & Co-founder of ABEL Energy, an Australian industrial project developer focused on producing green methanol using green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources. With nearly two decades across energy and infrastructure in Australia and the U.S., including methanol and DME, Michael co-founded ABEL Energy to catalyse a domestic green-methanol industry and position Australia as a regional supplier for clean shipping fuels and low-carbon chemicals.LinksABEL Energy: abelenergy.com.auMichael van Baarle (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/michael-van-baarle-21994022/ABEL Energy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/abelenergy/

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Hannah Monaghan, Boeing’s Australia Lead for Sustainability Reporting & Governance. Together they unpack aviation’s decarbonisation pathway, discussing everything from Hydrogen, SAF, Electric flight, aircraft design and operational efficiencies.Hannah’s Highlights:1:05 - Boeing in Australia & NZ: 98+ years, ~4,500 people, Melbourne composites, RAAF sustainment3:50 - Why decarbonise aviation: ~2% of emissions today, APAC demand set to grow6:15 - Boeing’s pillars: fleet renewal, advanced tech, operational efficiency, renewable energy, market measures9:40 - Aircraft lifecycles (30–40 yrs) and retrofits: winglets, 787 curved wings, 777X folding tips13:20 - Certification reality: safety testing - why it takes time15:30 - Ops efficiency wins: smarter arrivals, single-engine taxi, collaboration with airports & ATC18:10 – Carbon offsets to removals: CORSIA basics, first ocean-based removals MOU; green hydrogen by-product21:05 - SAF 101: drop-in fuel, HEFA pathway, feedstocks (UCO, ag residues, MSW)24:30 - Where SAF is today: blends to 50% certified across Boeing fleet; pathway to 100%27:10 - Supply, policy & refineries: keeping feedstock onshore; AU & NZ outlooks31:00 - Turnarounds & infrastructure: why SAF fits current refuelling ops; blending mandates33:40 - Electric & hydrogen: use-cases, grid “greenness”, long-haul constraints for Australia38:10 - Cascade 2.0: open modelling to test SAF, hydrogen, electric and grid scenarios41:20 - Materials & circularity: composites, cabin “one-percenters” (lightweight recycled carpets)44:30 - Barriers & opportunities: stackable incentives, global harmonisation, jobs & fuel security48:10 - Final take: now is the moment - coordination across industry, government and communitiesAbout HannahHannah Monaghan is the Australia Lead for Sustainability Reporting & Governance within Boeing’s Global Enterprise Sustainability team (since Jan 2024). She joined Boeing in 2022 in Government Affairs after roles advising Australia’s Federal Minister for the Environment and the NSW Minister for Family & Community Services. An organic chemist by training, Hannah holds a Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry from UTS.Connect with Hannah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-monaghan-392249133/LinksBoeing - https://www.boeing.com/Boeing on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boeing/Boeing on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/boeing/Cascade (aviation decarbonisation modelling) - https://cascade.boeing.com/Australia Aviation Outlook (Cascade) - https://cascade.boeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Australia-Aviation-Outlook.pdfBoeing Hydrogen Factsheet - https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/principles/sustainability/assets/pdf/Hydrogen_Factsheet.pdfCSIRO–Boeing SAF Roadmap (2023) - https://www.boeing.com.au/news/2023/csiro-boeing-roadmap-charts-flight-path-to-sustainable-skiesSAF State of Play (2024 update) - https://www.boeing.com.au/content/dam/boeing/en-au/pdf/boeing-and-csiro-saf-state-of-play-report-2024.pdfWisk (autonomous electric air taxi) - https://wisk.aero/Produced by The Podcast Boss

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Andy Marsland sits down with Neil McDonald, CEO of Gold Hydrogen, to unpack an exciting investment announcement and explore the future of natural hydrogen and helium in Australia. From historical discoveries that have led to cutting-edge drilling programs, this conversation dives deep into the potential of hydrogen as a clean, cost-effective energy source, and how helium (including the rare helium-3) could revolutionise industries from quantum computing to power generation and transportation.Neil McDonald is co-founder and Managing Director of Gold Hydrogen, one of the first companies in the world to confirm that high natural hydrogen deposits exist underground. Gold Hydrogen is now leading the race to commercialise hydrogen, a near carbon-zero energy source which would impact worldwide zero emissions targets.Gold Hydrogen is also progressing helium opportunities, as the hydrogen tests also produced strong helium showings, one of the first major finds in a non-petroleum area.Neil has more than 20 years of extensive commercial experience in the energy and minerals sectors and has helped commercialise some of Australia’s largest exploration projects for private and public companies. What You’ll LearnThe origins of Gold Hydrogen and its pioneering work in natural hydrogen explorationWhy South Australia’s geology is uniquely suited for hydrogen and helium extractionThe significance of helium-3 and its astronomical valueHow natural hydrogen compares to green hydrogen in terms of cost, carbon footprint, and scalabilityInsights into Gold Hydrogen’s strategic partnerships with Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and ENEOS Xplora The roadmap to commercial production and the role of infrastructure in scaling operationsKey TakeawaysNatural hydrogen could be produced for under $1/kg, making it significantly cheaper than manmade alternativesGold Hydrogen has confirmed helium purity levels of 36.9%, the highest ever reported globallyHelium-3, valued at $15 million/kg, has been found in elevated levels in their wellsThe company’s exploration acreage spans 78,000+ square kilometres, with potentially enough hydrogen to power South Australia for 40+ years Resources & Linkswww.goldhydrogen.com.auGold Hydrogen Investor HubGold Hydrogen on LinkedInPress Release: Strategic Investment AnnouncementIf you’re as excited about the future of clean energy as we are, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information or to connect with Gold Hydrogen, check out the links above. 

Discussions of Green Iron, Green Ammonia and Dual-fuel heavy transportStephen Archer: Stephen Archer is the CEO of Warradarge Energy, a company leading the development of renewable hydrogen projects in Western Australia. Warradarge’s portfolio of projects covers diesel displacement, green iron, and green ammonia offtake markets. The company focuses on strong renewable resources and addressable offtake markets as a strategic focus. Stephen has spent over a decade in renewable energy and hydrogen project development, financing and execution. Most recently serving as WA State Manager for BP’s renewable energy division – where he developed over 2.6GW of grid-connected Solar, Wind and Battery projects, including Australia’s largest single-stage solar farm, and the renewable generation assets attached to some of the largest green hydrogen projects currently in development. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Andy Marsland speaks with Stephen Archer, CEO of Warradarge Energy, about the company’s innovative approach to renewable hydrogen projects in Western Australia. They explore Warradarge’s three major initiatives: green hydrogen production, dual-fuel trucking technology, and green iron manufacturing. The conversation highlights the importance of pragmatic, scalable solutions in Australia’s energy transition.­­­Topics & Highlights1. Warradarge’s Mission and StrategyDeveloper of hydrogen projects in WA’s Midwest region.Focus on upstream and downstream market alignment.Three active projects: hydrogen production, dual-fuel logistics, and green iron.2. Green Hydrogen Production25 MW electrolyzer connected behind-the-meter to a 300 MW wind farm.Utilizes curtailed energy for hydrogen production.Targeting diesel displacement with identified offtake customers.3. Dual-Fuel Trucking TechnologyPartnership with Newhaul and Fenix Resources.Retrofitting trucks to blend hydrogen into diesel intake.30–40% diesel displacement; scalable and reversible.Technology developed by HW Richardson in New Zealand.4. Green Iron InitiativeCo-development of a 750–1000 MW hydrogen project for green iron production.Collaboration with Athena and Fenix Resources.Briquetting magnetite concentrate using renewable energy and hydrogen.Potential to offset ~4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.5. Challenges and Policy NeedsDemand-side policy gaps and international collaboration hurdles.Hydrogen’s role as a “Swiss Army knife” – versatile but not universal.Importance of realism and pragmatism in project development.6. Future OutlookStage 1 construction planned for 2026.Stage 2 (green iron) targeted for 2030.Stage 3 (green ammonia export) in early development.Notable Quotes“Every achievement worth talking about was declared impossible before it was done.” – Stephen Archer “Hydrogen will assist, not replace everything.” – Stephen ArcherLinks:https://warradarge.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/company/warradarge-energy/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-archer/ 

How to Produce Green Ammonia for under US$300 per tonne – With Element One Overview: In this episode, Andy Marsland explores the latest advancements in hydrogen and ammonia technologies with Phil Matthews and Troy Philpot. They discuss the potential of hydrogen and ammonia in the green energy sector, focusing on their commercial viability, practical applications, and the innovative technologies developed by Element One which are a potential game changer for the industry. Guests:  Phil Matthews - Managing Director of Element One· Phil is the Managing Director at Element One, where he has dedicated over a decade to advancing the green energy sector. With a specialised focus on hydrogen derivatives, Phil has driven significant research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing renewable energy applications. Phil's academic foundation in Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy Management underpins his commitment to creating sustainable energy solutions for the future. His notable technological contributions include the development of Kraktek, an innovative ammonia reformer and hydrogen purification technology, as well as Ammoniac, a cutting-edge solution for renewable ammonia synthesis.Troy Philpot - Director of Origination at BE Power Group and consultant to Element One· Troy is the Director – Origination for the BE Power group of companies. BE Power have over 18GWh of pumped hydro and energy storage projects, totalling around $6B in construction value, under development across Australia.  He has over a decade of experience in high voltage electrical infrastructure, services and energy transition projects, with the commercial arm of Energy Queensland, as well as a background in commercial strategy, marketing and business development.  Troy supports the Element One team, with insights into commercial viability, potential industry partnerships and helps drive innovation opportunities.Key Topics:1.   Introduction to Element One:·         Phil Matthews introduces Element One, highlighting its focus on hydrogen carriers and the development of innovative technologies, Kraktek and Ammoniac.·         The company's mission is to revolutionise hydrogen storage and transportation.2.   Hydrogen Carriers and Transportation:·         Discussion on the inefficiencies of current hydrogen storage and transportation methods.·         Comparison between liquid hydrogen, compressed hydrogen, and ammonia as hydrogen carriers.·         Phil's views on the volumetric energy density of hydrogen and the advantages of ammonia.3.   Ammonia as a Hydrogen Carrier:·         Benefits of using ammonia for hydrogen storage and transportation include existing infrastructure and higher energy density.·         Comparison of ammonia tankers with liquid hydrogen ships in terms of practicality and energy efficiency.4.   Innovative Technologies:·         Introduction to Kraktek, an ammonia reformer.·         The efficiency and purity of hydrogen produced using Crack Tech achieve 99.9999% purity.·         Development of ammonium hydroxide as a safer alternative for hydrogen storage and transportation.5.   Commercial Viability:·         Troy Philpot discusses the economic advantages of Element One's technologies, emphasising cost-effectiveness and green credentials.·         Discussion of how to produce green ammonia for under USD300 per tonne. ·         The potential for ammonia to be a cheaper and greener alternative to traditional hydrocarbons.6.   Safety and Practicality:·         Addressing the toxicity of ammonia and how Element One's solutions mitigate these concerns.·         The development of ammonium hydroxide as a safer, room-temperature liquid for hydrogen storage and transportation.7.   Future Prospects:·         Potential applications of these technologies in various industries, including transportation, mining, and agriculture.·         The importance of industry partnerships and the role of universities in advancing these technologies.·         The challenges of gaining acceptance and the need for first movers to adopt these technologies.8.   Current Challenges:·         There are difficulties in proving the technology and gaining wider acceptance.·         There is a need for industry players with deeper pockets to adopt and scale these technologies.·         The potential for overseas adoption before widespread use in Australia. Conclusion: Andy, Phil, and Troy wrap up the episode by highlighting the transformative potential of ammonia technologies in achieving a sustainable energy future. They emphasise the need for continued innovation and collaboration to overcome current challenges and make these technologies commercially viable.  Call to Action:· Subscribe to the "Exploring Hydrogen" podcast for more insights into the hydrogen energy sector.· Follow Element One and BE Power Group for updates on their latest projects and advancements.· Check out the University of Newcastle's website for updates on their research and milestones related to hydrogen and ammonia technologies. Links·        https://elementone.com.au/·        https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/hydrogen-compression·        https://www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/featured/partnership-puts-green-ammonia-project-on-fast-track-for-real-world-use·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-sh3energy/·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-p-0084a212/ 

The State of Hydrogen – current opportunities and challenges. A perspective from the forefront of hydrogen research and development – With Central Queensland UniversityEpisode Summary: In this episode, Andy Marsland welcomes Paul Hodgson to discuss the advancements, opportunities, and challenges in the hydrogen energy sector. Paul shares his extensive experience and insights into the role of hydrogen in decarbonising Australia and the world, focusing on its applications in transportation, industry, and society.Paul Hodgson is Executive Director Regional Futures – Energy Transitions, and Director of the Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy at CQUniversity Australia. He is also Chair of Queensland Manufacturing Institute and Vice Chair of the Hydrogen Flight Alliance.Prior to joining CQUniversity earlier last year, Paul was Interim CEO of a bid for a Scaling Green Hydrogen Cooperative Research Centre, developing a 10-year $213m research and training program with the support of 97 partners from 12 countries. Between 2017 and 2021, Paul was General Manager Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (East Coast) for the Australian energy industry growth centre, NERA, where he led the development of a national network of regional hydrogen technology clusters.Key Topics Discussed:Paul Hodgson's Background:Roles at CQUniversity, Queensland Manufacturing Institute, and Hydrogen Flight Alliance.Passion for regional development and sustainable energy.Hydrogen's Role in Decarbonisation:Hydrogen as a tool for hard-to-abate sectors.Importance of decarbonising existing hydrogen production.Current State of Hydrogen Projects:Federal funding for low carbon liquid fuels.Challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen sector.The need for fewer, more collaborative projects.Hydrogen in Industry:Applications in ammonia production, steel industry, and refining fuels.Potential for hydrogen to replace LNG and coal exports.Challenges and Future Directions:Importance of foundational work in safety, regulations, and community engagement.The role of government and industry collaboration.The need for a strong foundation to support commercial viability.Research and Innovation at CQUniversity:Focus on reducing hydrogen production costs.Projects on raw water electrolysis and utilising excess solar energy.Collaboration with international partners and other universities.Global Hydrogen Landscape:Australia's position and potential in the global hydrogen market.Comparison with other countries' progress in hydrogen development.Notable Quotes:"Hydrogen is now being seen much more sensibly as a tool in a toolkit for things that are hard to abate.""The world will do this with or without Australia. There are lots of competitors out there."

Bio: Bob has 20 years of international aerospace experience, the past 8 of which he has worked on the cutting edge of electric aircraft innovation. He supported Heart Aerospace and Ampaire with electric propulsion system engineering development. He was an early member of the magniX leadership team, helping define company strategy, product roadmap, and certification as Head of Aircraft Integration. Earlier in his career, Bob worked at Google X on the Makani project and held lead positions in Saab, Airbus, UTC, Gulfstream, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing aircraft programs. Bob studied aerospace engineering at UNSW and went through Y Combinator in W23. At Stralis, Bob drives company strategy and manages the finances, leads fundraising and customer sales, and supports the engineering team with his extensive knowledge and expertise.Welcome to Exploring Hydrogen, the podcast that delves into the emerging hydrogen energy sector's innovations, opportunities, and challenges. In this episode, host Andy Marsland speaks with Bob Criner, co-founder and CEO of Stralis Aircraft. With over 20 years of aerospace experience, including cutting-edge electric propulsion innovation, Bob shares insights into how hydrogen is revolutionising aviation and what it means for the future of travel. Introduction to Stralis Aircraft Stralis’ mission: Emission-free hydrogen-electric propulsion for aviation. Breakthrough in lightweight, high-temperature PEM fuel cells enabling long-distance hydrogen-powered flights. Progress towards first flight of Stralis’ demonstrator aircraft by late 2025 The Hydrogen Advantage in Aviation Comparison of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, and batteries for decarbonisation. Why hydrogen electric is the cost-efficient solution for flights up to 3,000 km. The potential for reducing ticket prices and enhancing regional connectivity. Technology and Innovation Stralis’ propulsion system: Liquid hydrogen tanks, innovative fuel cells, and electric motors. Efficiency breakthrough Developing robust and scalable systems for future commercial applications. Challenges in Hydrogen Adopt the Hydrogen Flight Alliance, including key partnerships with Brisbane Airport, QUT, and Fortescue. Future Vision for Aviation Scaling hydrogen technology from small regional aircraft to larger fleets. Long-term goal: 50-seat aircraft with 50% lower operating costs, reshaping point-to-point travel. Potential to reignite regional air travel with cheaper, cleaner, and more convenient flights. Hydrogen Beyond Passenger Planes Expanding hydrogen technology into cargo drones for extended range and payload capabilities. Accelerating commercial adoption through real-world applications and partnerships. Insights for Startups in the Hydrogen Sector Lessons learned from Y Combinator and the importance of founder communities. Strategies for navigating the funding landscape and fostering innovation in Australia. Key Quotes: "Hydrogen electric propulsion could redefine how we think about regional air travel—cleaner, cheaper, and more connected." – Bob Criner "With innovations in fuel cell efficiency and lightweight design, we’re unlocking the future of long-range, emission-free aviation." – Bob Criner Resources & Links: Learn more about Stralis Aircraft: Stralis Website Connect with the Hydrogen Flight Alliance: HFA.Aero Stay updated with Stralis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stralis-aircraft/ Join the Journey Thank you for tuning in to Exploring Hydrogen! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends and colleagues. See you next time as we explore more ways hydrogen shapes a sustainable future.  

Exploring HydrogenEp 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting Waste to Energy – With Wildfire EnergyGreg Perkins is a co-founder, MD and CEO of Wildfire EnergyHis is an Innovator with more than 20 years of industry experience in the development of new technologies and projects for the energy and oil & gas industries, with 12 pending and granted patents. He has a passion for cleaner energy, technology, innovation and business strategy and is a former Adjunct Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland, 2021-2024; MIChemE and CPEngGreg’s relevant experience includes:·         Experience across diverse functions from technology, project delivery, construction and operations as well as business development·         Start up and commissioning of a $100 million USD natural gas gasification unit at a refinery complex in Malaysia·         Design, operation and troubleshooting of numerous coal gasification projects.·         Inventor of the moving injection gravity drainage (MIGD) process for heavy oil recovery.Key Points and Discussion HighlightsSustainable Aviation Fuel and SyngasWildfire Energy’s unique process converts various organic materials into energy, which can then be used to make a variety of energy vector including sustainable aviation fuels and syngas, through a patented batch system.Unlike traditional methods, their technology eliminates the need for pre-treatment or sorting of waste, making it more efficient and cost-effective.Localised Waste Management SolutionsGreg highlights projects in Pacific Islands such as Nauru, where waste is often left in open areas, creating severe environmental problems.Wildfire’s system can convert waste into electricity, replacing imported diesel and reducing the environmental impact, while generating about 20% of the islands’ power needs.Adaptable Modular DesignThe technology is modular and scalable to suit communities of different sizes, from small rural towns to larger urban centres.This flexibility supports localised waste management, enabling communities to address their waste issues directly while creating jobs and generating renewable energy.Environmental Impact and Carbon CreditsWildfire’s process achieves net negative carbon emissions.The approach qualifies for Australian carbon credit units, further incentivising the diversion of waste from landfills and supporting broader carbon reduction goals.Global Demand for Renewable Energy SolutionsGreg discusses the growing global interest in hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and methanol as energy sources for industries like aviation and shipping. Methanol, in particular, has significant potential in shipping and as an intermediate chemical for producing carbon-neutral plastics, contributing to a circular economy.Financial Challenges and Market AdoptionFunding remains a key challenge due to the capital-intensive nature of the technology, with many venture capital funds hesitant to invest in such projects. Despite this, Wildfire has secured government grants and international support.Future Outlook and Expansion PlansGreg envisions Wildfire Energy expanding globally, with dozens of operational projects within the next decade.The long-term strategy includes licensing the technology internationally, empowering communities worldwide to manage waste locally while generating renewable energyClosing RemarksAndy and Greg conclude by encouraging listeners to follow Wildfire Energy’s progress via their LinkedIn page and monthly newsletter, where they share updates and insights.Andy invites listeners to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on innovative clean energy solutions and thanks Greg for an enlightening discussion about tackling waste and energy challenges with transformative technology.A link to their website and newsletters is below:Wildfire EnergyNewsletters | wildfire (wildfireenergy.com.au)  

Episode Summary:In this episode of Exploring Hydrogen, host Andy Marsland embarks on an enlightening conversation with Joanna Kay, a leading voice in the renewable hydrogen sector. Joanna serves as the Executive General Manager of the Smart Energy Council and leads Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, advocating for hydrogen as a key to the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy.Joanna offers a comprehensive overview of how hydrogen fits into Australia’s renewable energy landscape, from its potential role in industries like transportation and manufacturing to the challenges of scaling production and adoption. The conversation delves into the critical importance of certification programs for ensuring hydrogen production remains truly green, meeting rigorous environmental standards.Together, they explore Australia's place in the global hydrogen conversation, comparing national efforts to those of international leaders like the European Union, the US, and Japan. Joanna also highlights the role of government incentives and global standards in shaping the future of green hydrogen and explains why ensuring harmonised certification is key for building a sustainable hydrogen economy worldwide.Key Topics Discussed:Introduction to the Smart Energy Council and Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna explains the work of the Smart Energy Council, which has been active in Australia for decades, representing the renewable energy value chain, including solar, batteries, wind, and hydrogen. Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, established in 2018, focuses on both domestic and international hydrogen applications and derivative products like green ammonia and green metals.Hydrogen Certification and Global Standards:Hydrogen can be produced using various methods, not all of which are green. Joanna highlights the importance of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia’s certification program—the only industry-led initiative in Australia—that ensures green hydrogen projects meet the global standard of less than one kilogram of carbon per kilogram of hydrogen. The discussion also explores how different countries define green hydrogen and the challenges of aligning these definitions to promote global trade and cooperation.Comparing Australia’s Hydrogen Standards to Global Leaders:Joanna and Andy discuss how Australia’s standards stack up against global leaders like the European Union and the United States, which have different carbon intensity thresholds for what they define as green hydrogen. They explore the complexities of developing a unified global standard and the opportunities it presents for Australia as an emerging leader in the green hydrogen space.The Role of Government and Public Funding:Joanna provides insights into how government incentives, such as the production tax credits in Australia, are playing a crucial role in supporting the growth of the hydrogen sector. They also explore recent findings from the International Energy Agency, which suggest that with proper public funding, green hydrogen could become the most cost-competitive hydrogen source by 2030, surpassing alternatives like blue hydrogen.Future Vision for Hydrogen in Australia:Joanna outlines the next steps for Australia’s hydrogen industry, including the expansion of green hydrogen into industrial processes, the potential for international trade, and how certification will play a key role in ensuring transparency and environmental accountability. She also shares examples of successfully certified projects, like Bristol Springs and Yarra International, which demonstrate Australia’s capability to deliver green hydrogen.Notable Quotes:“What we're focused on is making sure hydrogen produced in Australia is genuinely green—meaning zero emissions. Blue hydrogen, which relies on carbon capture, may have its place as a transition fuel, but we’re advocating for true decarbonisation.” – Joanna Kay“By 2030, green hydrogen could outcompete all other forms of hydrogen globally if public funding is directed towards supporting its production.” – Joanna KayEpisode Highlights:Deep Dive into Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna details the mission and structure of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, a division of the Smart Energy Council, which has been at the forefront of developing renewable hydrogen initiatives and projects across Australia. With over 200 members involved in hydrogen projects, the organisation plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of hydrogen in Australia.The Importance of Certification in Hydrogen Production:Hydrogen certification ensures that green hydrogen projects meet strict carbon emission standards. Joanna explains the technical challenges of maintaining global consistency in certification and why it is essential for promoting international hydrogen trade and reducing the carbon footprint of industrial processes.Global Comparisons of Hydrogen Standards:Joanna and Andy discuss the variations in hydrogen standards across different countries. For example, the US and EU have different carbon limits per kilogram of hydrogen, which impacts how hydrogen is classified as green. They also explore the potential for global harmonisation of these standards to facilitate international hydrogen markets.Australia’s Role as a Hydrogen Leader:Joanna shares exciting details about Australia's growing influence in the hydrogen space, including key projects that have been certified as green hydrogen and the country's potential to become a significant player in the global green hydrogen market. She also talks about the importance of aligning state and national standards to strengthen Australia’s position.The Future of Green Hydrogen:Joanna discusses the potential for green hydrogen to become the leading source of clean energy globally, driven by advancements in technology, government incentives, and growing demand for decarbonisation. With global targets on the horizon, Australia is well-positioned to lead the charge.Resources Mentioned:Smart Energy Council: https://smartenergy.org.au/ Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia: https://smartenergy.org.au/zero-carbon-hydrogen-australia/ IEA Report – the future of Hydrogen: https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-hydrogen Green Hydrogen Catapult Paper on Emissions accounting https://gh2.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/H2-Emissions-Accounting-White-Paper-Sept%202024-compressed.pdfJoanna’s LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/joanna-kay-057437216ZHCA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/zero-carbon-hydrogen-australia/ Australia’s 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/publications/australias-national-hydrogen-strategy  Joanna’s full bio:Joanna Kay is a highly respected voice in the renewable hydrogen landscape, holding the pos...

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.Chris Dolman is the Business Development Manager for BOC. He’s been working across a number of areas including hydrogen to biomethane and other Gaseous vectors.BOC is part of the Linde Group, one of the world's largest industrial gas and engineering companies and it operates in over 100 countries. The company supplies a wide range of gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, which are essential for various industries such as healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.Globally, Linde plc employs approximately 65,000 people and its operations include production facilities, distribution networks, and extensive research and development activities, making it a critical supplier of industrial gases and engineering solutions worldwide.●     BOC's Role in the Hydrogen Industry○     Supplying hydrogen globally for over 80 years○     Operating 170 hydrogen production plants worldwide○     Transitioning from traditional uses of hydrogen to focusing on hydrogen as an energy vector●     Supply Chain Challenges○     Impact of COVID-19 on international supply chains○     Australia’s unique standards and challenges in hydrogen production○     Difficulties in sourcing specialised equipment like electrolyser stacks and spare parts●     Technical and Engineering Challenges○     Managing electrolyser "turn-down rates" and balancing plant sizing○     The complexity of "plug and play" refueler systems○     Localising skills for hydrogen project engineering and maintenance●     Australia's Hydrogen Projects○     Insights from the BP-BOC Queensland refuelling project and Toyota Eco Park project○     Hydrogen buses in Victoria and South Australia as a success story○     Challenges and cost pressures in hydrogen hub projects, such as the Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub●     Lessons for the Future of Hydrogen○     Importance of having critical spare parts and skilled local workers○     The need for collaboration within the hydrogen supply chain○     Australia’s limitations in the hydrogen truck market due to right-hand drive and specialised truck configurations (e.g., B-doubles)Key Takeaways:This episode highlights the challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen energy sector, particularly from an Australian perspective. It emphasises the need for collaboration, innovation, and local skill development to overcome supply chain constraints and technical obstacles. The discussion also underscores the importance of planning for long-term growth in hydrogen projects, from sourcing materials to building local expertise.Links●     linkedin.com/in/chris-dolman-b2509710●     https://www.boc-limited.com.au/en/index.htmlLet me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/   

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.Laurent Van Helden is Director of sales and market development with Plug Power in Australia.Plug Power is a leading provider of hydrogen electrolyser and fuel cell systems. Founded in 1997, New York, the company focuses on developing and commercialising clean energy solutions The company's fuel cell technology is used by major corporations, including Amazon and Walmart, to power their fleets of electric forklifts and other industrial vehicles.Plug Power's electrolysers are designed to support large-scale hydrogen production for various industries, including transportation, power generation, and industrial applications. The company has made significant investments in expanding its electrolyser manufacturing capabilities to meet the growing global demand for clean hydrogen.Key Discussion Points:●     PlugPower's Journey: Laurent shares PlugPower’s transition from producing hydrogen fuel cells for electric forklifts to becoming a key player in hydrogen production through the development of electrolysers. Starting with their acquisition of Giner in 2020, PlugPower has scaled up to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen.●     Electrolyser Deployment in Australia:Laurent explains how PlugPower is delivering one-megawatt electrolyser units to Australia. He details the process of adjusting their European-designed systems to comply with Australian standards, including electrical requirements and hazardous area certifications. This required extensive collaboration with Australian engineers and regulatory bodies.●     Overcoming Standards and Compliance Challenges:The conversation dives into the differences between European and Australian standards, such as the need to redesign units to meet Australian electrical clearances and hazardous area documentation. PlugPower appointed local experts to ensure compliance with Australian WorkSafe regulations and engaged clients throughout the process.●     Future Outlook:Laurent reveals that PlugPower’s first electrolyser units in Australia are nearing completion and are set to begin operations within the next few months. With commissioning underway, PlugPower is on track to power Australia's hydrogen projects.Key Takeaways:●     Collaboration and knowledge sharing are crucial to overcoming challenges in the hydrogen industry.●     Navigating different international standards is a major hurdle in global hydrogen infrastructure development.●     PlugPower’s ongoing projects in Australia are a testament to the growth and potential of the hydrogen sector in decarbonising industry and transportation.Links●     https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurent-van-helden/●     https://www.plugpower.com/ Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/               

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.Alistair Wardrope is the Technical Director & Co-Founder of Amarna Energy.Alistair has been working in the renewable hydrogen industry since 2006, starting his career in ITM-Power, and moving into offshore wind and nuclear generation in the UK. He moved to Australia in 2013 working for Jemena, becoming the technical lead for renewable gases, heading up Jemena’s hydrogen demonstration plant and biomethane injection plant. Along with Andrew Lelliott, they co-founded Amarna in 2019, a specialist renewable energy consultancy, providing engineering and project management to a range of leading hydrogen and cutting-edge renewable technologies. Amarna has offices in Sydney and Brisbane and supports a range of projects in operation, construction, and various stages of development.Andy is joined by Alistair Wardrope, a seasoned expert with nearly two decades of experience in the hydrogen sector. Alistair shares his expertise on the current state of hydrogen in Australia, particularly focusing on the technical and logistical challenges of importing key equipment such as electrolysers, compressors, and gas storage units.Throughout the episode, Alistair discusses:●     The immature hydrogen sector in Australia, especially regarding electrolyser technology.●     Common issues faced by hydrogen projects in Australia include compliance delays, installation problems, and quality control.●     The importance of collaboration within the hydrogen community to overcome these challenges.●     The relatively stable supply chain for compressed gas cylinders versus the more problematic areas like electrolysers and compressors.●     Lessons learned from working with hydrogen technologies across different sectors and regions.Alistair also emphasises the need for patience and collaboration, as these early challenges are typical in any emerging industry. As hydrogen technologies scale up and become more refined, many of these issues will likely diminish over time. He encourages developers in Australia to focus on strengthening local supply chains while relying on proven global technology for core components.Key Takeaways:●     The hydrogen sector is still in its early stages in Australia, with significant challenges related to the import of electrolyser technology.●     Supply chain issues are common but can be overcome with collaboration and shared industry knowledge.●     Developers should leverage local strengths in manufacturing and assembly to complement global technologies.●     Patience is key- scaling up a new industry always comes with teething pains, but lessons learned today will drive future progress.Linkslinkedin.com/in/alistair-wardrope-82183b24https://www.amarnaenergy.com/Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/ 

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.Russell James is the General Manager of Hydrogen and Future Fuels at ATCO.Russell has over 20 years’ of experience in energy, including the delivery of small to large-scale energy and utility infrastructure projects. Over the last 5 years, he has played a key role in all ATCO's hydrogen related activities, including the Clean Energy Innovation HubATCO is a global infrastructure and energy company with headquarters in Canada, known for its diversified portfolio including utilities, energy, structures and logistics, and transportation. With operations in over 100 countries, ATCO employs around 6200 peopleIn Australia, ATCO operates a range of energy and infrastructure businesses, including transmission pipelines.ATCO’s Journey in the Hydrogen Sector:●     ATCO has been involved in hydrogen for over eight years and launched Australia’s first renewable hydrogen facility in Western Australia about four and a half years ago.●     The Clean Energy Innovation Hub incorporates solar, batteries, and electrolysis, allowing hydrogen blending into the natural gas network.Challenges in Hydrogen Projects:●     Procurement of Equipment: ATCO had to source electrolysers from Europe and the US, navigating long lead times, shipping complexities, and significant upfront payments. This differs from standard procurement in gas and power divisions.●     Compliance with Australian Standards: With limited local hydrogen standards, ATCO worked closely with safety regulators to ensure compliance, adapting equipment built to European and US standards.●     Setting up Hydrogen Refuelling Stations: ATCO worked with the West Australian Government on the first hydrogen refuelling station, learning valuable lessons that helped streamline future projects.Operational Challenges:●     Maintenance and Local Support: ATCO worked closely with local companies to establish maintenance and support capabilities for hydrogen equipment, which helped foster the industry’s growth.●     Global Supply Chain Pressures: High demand for hydrogen infrastructure worldwide is causing delays in equipment procurement and project timelines.Success Stories and Adaptations:●     ATCO overcame COVID-19 restrictions by using video technology to commission equipment remotely, highlighting the team’s adaptability in challenging situations.Key Takeaways:●     Hydrogen project timelines need to account for unexpected challenges, especially with new technology and suppliers.●     Building strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, and regulators is critical for project success.●     Under-promising and over-delivering is a key strategy for ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the highest safety standards.Linkshttps://www.atco.com/en-au.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-james/Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/  

Tim Davies is the Project Manager for Ark Energy’s proposed Han-Ho H2 Hub, a major renewable generation, green hydrogen, and ammonia project in North Queensland. With a strong background at Fortescue Future Industries and Origin Energy, Tim has extensive experience across the hydrogen, oil, gas, and energy value chain.A distinguished engineer and project manager, he is known for his expertise in megaprojects and his broad commercial acumen. Tim is dedicated to advancing the renewable energy industry and bringing innovation to the energy sector.Overview of Ark Energy and Korea ZincTim discusses Ark Energy's mission to decarbonise Korea Zinc's operations. He explains, "Ark Energy was formed to decarbonise the group, leveraging investments in renewable projects like the MacIntyre Wind Farm and Sun Metals Solar Farm."MacIntyre Wind Farm and Sun Metals Solar FarmDevelopment of renewable energy projects and their integration with zinc refinery operations. Tim highlights, "MacIntyre is a one-gigawatt wind farm, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, aimed at local energy use and decarbonisation."Expansion and AcquisitionsArk Energy's acquisition of Epuron expanded its renewable energy portfolio to seven gigawatts. Tim states, "With the acquisition of Epuron, we now have a significant pipeline of renewable energy developments along the East Coast of Queensland and New South Wales."SunHQ ProjectCurrent construction status and challenges faced, including the impact of COVID-19 on project timelines. Tim shares, "SunHQ will be the largest integrated refuelling station in Australia, powering hydrogen trucks with green hydrogen from our solar farm."Han-Ho Hydrogen HubOverview of the project and its current stage. Tim mentions, "We're targeting 1.8 million tonnes per annum of hydrogen production, backed by the development of our Collinsville Green Energy Hub."Recent Budget AnnouncementsAnalysis of the recent budget's impact on hydrogen projects in Australia. Tim observes, "The production tax incentive signals to our offshore investors that Australia is keen on green hydrogen and is putting money into closing the gap."Challenges in the Hydrogen SectorAddressing skill shortages and resource management in Australia. Tim notes, "We need to be mindful of the pressure on local communities and labour markets as we ramp up hydrogen projects."Korean Contracts for Difference SchemeOverview of the scheme and its impact on hydrogen projects. Tim explains, "The Korean government is prioritising green hydrogen, and with Australia's hydrogen production tax incentive, green hydrogen is looking favourable."Tim's Trip to ChinaInsights from visiting major manufacturers and advancements in electrolyser technology. Tim shares, "China's scale-up for manufacturing hydrogen technology is impressive, but there's still a challenge to meet Australian standards and timelines."Community Engagement and Social LicenseImportance of early engagement with local communities and addressing their concerns. Tim emphasises, "Social license isn't given; it's earned. We're working closely with communities to understand and mitigate impacts."Project Challenges and StrategiesBalancing engineering and commercial aspects to ensure sustainable development. Tim states, "The biggest challenge is aligning all the puzzle pieces, from engineering to commercial agreements, to make these projects viable."Future Vision for Ark EnergyGoals and expectations for the next decade. Tim envisions, "In ten years, we'd like to see Han-Ho operating, a green corridor between Korea and Australia established, and significant progress towards net zero."Final Thoughts and Call to ActionTim encourages collaboration within the hydrogen industry. He concludes, "The more projects we get over the line, the quicker we can bring costs down and transition to green hydrogen. We're proponents, not competitors."Follow ARK EnergyWebsite: arkenergy.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72066237 

A hotbed of Clean Energy Technologies and Training – Stanwell FEITH ProjectPeter Goggin is the Manager for Hydrogen Development at Stanwell Corporation and has over three decades of experience in the electricity industry. He has worked in various capacities in business development, commercialisation, and project delivery in Australia and the UK. Throughout his career, Peter has developed projects across a wide range of domains, including solar PV, energy efficiency, battery storage, wind power, wave power, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy technologies.1.15 - Intro to Stanwell Stanwell is a Queensland Government-owned corporation. They have about 3. 2 gigawatts of coal-fired power generation and are moving towards the transformation of that generation base to a renewable energy future. Stanwell has about three gigawatts of renewable energy in its pipeline, either contracted or under development. 2.26 - Intro to Peter’s role In his current role at Stanwell, Peter's primary objective is to establish a sustainable domestic business model in renewable hydrogen for Stanwell. His endeavours are centred around leveraging the potential and scale of the Central Queensland Hydrogen (CQH2) Project into the Queensland market. 3.20 - What does FEITH stand for and what is it? Future Energy Innovation and Training Hub●     The FEITH will develop the new technologies and workforce skills required to achieve Stanwell’s strategic objectives and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP).●     In its ultimate form, the FEITH is expected to feature: a hub to demonstrate to the community a range of hydrogen applications, their safety, and the benefits to local and regional areas.●     Medium-long duration battery storage, transmission and renewable energy integration technologies for the NEM, state-of-the-art workforce skills and technical training for trade, higher education and research, a world-class commercial-scale research and testing.●     It will feature a precinct for innovation and technology validation and a servicing and maintenance workshop.●     It will increase our understanding of new energy technologies and their application in building Stanwell’s renewable energy portfolio and driving the development of Queensland's hydrogen industry. 06.00 - What is an iron flow battery and what is the potential user case? 07.00 – Hysata’s electrolyser  A revolutionary 4-5MW hydrogen electrolyser will also be validated in a pilot project at FEITH. The super-efficient electrolyser is being developed by Australian startup Hysata.10.15 - The scaling challenge in the industry11.36 - How does FEITH support Stanwell and the local community?13.40 - What stage are you at with the project-       Have commenced with the common infrastructure-       Iron flow battery works will begin in the next few months-       Phased development-       We have received some funding from the QLD government from the QLD Renewable Energy Hydrogen Jobs Fund-       Hoping to be ready for the Hysata pilot unit within the next 12 months16.20 - What are the criteria that organisations go through before Stanwell decides to partner with someone?Starts with us being aligned with the counter party with the objectives. On the technology side, it would be about the technology readiness level.18.30 – Training at FEITH-       Future pathways training is being developed-       A range of different skills that need to be developed (cross-skilling and upskilling) -       Using that modern virtual reality type technology to get training opened up more broadly to users of the facility21.40 - What are the biggest challenges you are facing at the moment-       Scaling challenges-       This is a brand new industry and there are a lot of new/novel things happening we need everyone’s support22.53 - What does success look like? “Success for me with FEITH would look like a precinct that's supporting that aspiration with some infrastructure already deployed with a vibrant environment there to show our community just what we're doing to take advantage of this great decarbonisation challenge we have on our hands.” 24.15 - Are there any types of technology that you are excited by?  27.00 - Recommendations for Australia and Queensland moving forward to help support the industry 27.45 – Collaboration is key. And the organisations that are working with Stanwell on the CQH2 project 31.25 - Key learnings Be patient, it’s a complex thing and requires the willingness to be resilient. It’s a customer-led approach.  https://www.stanwell.com/home-stanwell/https://www.linkedin.com/company/stanwell-corporation-limited/ The Exploring Hydrogen podcast has recently been ranked as number 6 in the top Hydrogen podcasts worldwide. If you enjoyed the content, we invite you to like and subscribe, and help spread the word (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/hydrogen_energy_podcasts/?feedid=5399109)

De-mystifying economic policy for Hydrogen – “The 5 Levers”, with GHD Introduction to Ariel: Ariel Elboim a Senior Advisor for GHD working in the future energy market. A consultant for 10 years, Ariel has worked on the decarbonisation of infrastructure, and renewable energy projects across various sectors, including energy, water and transport. For the past 5 years, his focus has been dedicated to accelerating the growth of the hydrogen industry in Australia. He plays an active role not only through his project work for both private and public clients but also through his engagement with industry, including his position as H2Q Hydrogen Queensland Policy Advocacy Taskforce Lead. 1.45 - About GHD & Ariel's work GHD is a globally recognised organisation operating in the markets of engineering, architecture, digital, water, energy, environment, and transport. Above 11,000 employees across 5 continents and 120+ offices. Over the last 4 years, Ariel has been working holistically to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen industry in Australia, and that's been looking at strategic, tactical, operational projects, and more recently, at policy and policy mechanisms and how they can be conducive to the growth of the industry in Australia. 3.00 - The work H2Q Hydrogen Queensland is doing to help translate what industry sentiment is and how that can help inform government policy. They have been doing a lot of engagement and report writing over the last year with a white paper that was released over Christmas. 4.15 -Summary of the 5 levers & examples around the world Lever # 1 - Tax Regulation What can the government do in terms of regulatory standards and requirements to influence proponent behaviour, and what kind of tax levers can they use to influence taxpayers' behaviour?  Regulatory standards and requirements that the government can implement to influence behaviour, or what kind of tax incentives or penalties can the government implement to also influence behaviour? 06.00 - Carbon prices around the world & the Safeguard Mechanism 08.20 - Lever #2 - Tax credits & subsidies Tax credits and subsidies are an incentive-based policy instrument that provides market-compatible forms of direct government intervention.  09.00 - U. S. Inflation Reduction Act This offers a tax credit of up to $3 per kilogram of hydrogen produced. That $3 per kilogram is based on the carbon intensity of the product. 10.06 - What can Australia do, even without having such ‘deep pockets’ as the US? 11.20 - Lever #3 - Market based schemes Market-based schemes are interesting because they're an amalgamation of different mechanisms and they usually consist of a pull mechanism or a lever that tries to pull investment into the market, and a push mechanism, so it pushes proponents to do something. 12.30 - Lever # 4 - Contracts for Difference This lever is getting a lot of attention across the world at the minute, especially in the hydrogen space. CFDs, Contracts for Differences, are financial contracts between a supplier and a purchaser of energy, provided a certain price. The Contract for Difference stipulates that the purchaser will pay the seller the difference between the market value at the time of contracting. Essentially a market price is agreed upon, usually called the strike price, and this is based on several factors. It could be the level of CO2 emissions that are being abated. It could be the cost of the fossil fuel plus a green premium, whatever the market decides is a strike price, but everyone agrees that's the baseline. 14.45 - Review periods for Contracts for Difference "Contracts for Difference usually last for about 10, 12, 15 years and by that point, the market will have readjusted to an equilibrium. And then you reassess it." 17.00 - "The biggest issue in the hydrogen space at the minute and the reason projects aren't getting past FID, or to FID, is because the premium on hydrogen just isn't suitable so you're not able to guarantee a revenue guarantee revenue stream and is probably the biggest killer to projects, from my understanding." 19.15 - Lever #5 - Financing Arrangements Australia has been pursuing this lever for the last three or four years in terms of getting the hydrogen industry. Essentially finance is provided as a means to mitigate the inherent risk in developing new projects, new industries, and creating new sectors.  21.20 - Backing of funding in Australia “There's a difference between picking winners and making strategically good choices. The example is, that we're not going to see a major hydrogen passenger vehicle industry market in Australia anytime soon because the progress that EVs are making is just staggering. However, if you look at large industries that are hard to abate, like I mentioned steel and iron and alumina, etc. they are clear good strategic options for hydrogen to be implemented." 23.30 - Disadvantages of using each of these mechanisms/examples of where they've not been rolled out successfully ●      Carbon leakage●      Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism   25.30 - Will we get to the stage where Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions are going to be monitored for all countries and organisations? "One of the actions of the National Hydrogen Strategy was to create a guarantee of origin scheme, which essentially was a certificate to say that the hydrogen that you've produced is, has this carbon intensity. And that essentially is going to accompany every kilogram of hydrogen in the future that is produced in Australia. So that indicates that the carbon emissions will be monitored very closely." 26.15 - Recommendations for Queensland & Australia "An export industry based on an already established export-import relationship is a way to go. Australia doesn't have that much to decarbonize in the grand global scheme.One of the key things to look for would be economic prosperity, and that lies in the export opportunity." 31.45 - Are the policies Australia has in place at the moment sufficient? "Australia has announced a total of about $35 billion total to support hydrogen. And if you compare that too globally, which is about 350 billion, I think it's less than 10 percent of Australia's investment globally. And that's what it comes down to at the end of the day, the money." "Australia does have a bit of catching up to do and that's why we're at such a pivotal moment." 33.30 - Hydrogen Head Start Program The Program is essentially a $2 billion government fund to underwrite project operational costs by providing a production credit for every kilogram of hydrogen produced. The Energy and Jobs Plan: Only a small fraction of the energy job plan fund has been tapped into because for it to ...

Guest bios: Denis Thomas is Director of Business Development and Marketing for water electrolysis at Accelera by Cummins, which has acquired the activities of Hydrogenics in 2019.Before joining the company in 2014, Mr. Thomas worked 8 years in the solar photovoltaic sector in Europe. Mr. Thomas holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and in Renewable Energy. Michael Bartsch is the Regional Sales and Business Development manager for water electrolysis at Accelera by Cummins. Before joining the company in 2020, Mr Bartsch worked for 26 years in a mixture of Mining, Petroleum, Water Treatment and Geothermal sectors. Mr. Bartsch is an Industrial Chemist with formal qualifications in Science, Business Administration and Energy. Cummins is more than 104 years old, specialising in engines and gensets with 70,000 people worldwide. Accelera is a brand within the company that hosts all the new technologies and has five main businesses and between 2000-3,000 employees 2.30 – The main technologies within Accelera-       Electrolysers-       Fuel cells-       Electrified components-       Power train systems-       Traction systems 4.00 – Explanation of the different types of electrolysers  -       Alkaline-       PEM-       Solid oxide-       Anion Exchange Membrane 06.30 - PEM - Proton Exchange Membrane.  08.15 - Solid oxide and Anion Exchange Membrane 09.15 - Concerns about the catalyst being used in PEM technology 10.44 - Sizes of electrolysers that Accelera ManufactureThe products are PEM technology. 30 bar pressure. HyLyzer 500, 1000 and 5000. 13.00 - Interesting and challenging projects across the globe:The Quebec project is commercial, meaning running the electrolyser daily. The hydrogen is liquefied and then delivered by Air Liquide to industrial customers. 15.30 – Emergence of much larger projects across the globeCustomers are now leaning more toward double-digit and triple-digit production. 16.26 - Learnings through the project in Canada 19.17 - Australian market compared to the rest of the worldThe speed to market in the other locations is by far faster at the moment. In Australia, there is a push for regional codes and standards adoption. When products have to be modified before they can be introduced so there's a lag factor there in terms of being able to deploy or modify existing designs for them to be accepted. “We will initially be importing products mainly from Europe, but it'll get to a point where the project size here in Australia is big enough to justify local manufacturing.” 24.15 – Manufacturing of the Electrolysers “We've been working a lot on designing new processes and we are implementing them in the different factories. We have started already in Belgium, which was an existing factory. We have built another in Spain that will start production in the first quarter of next year. We will be using this flow-based manufacturing. It is super interesting because it gives us a lot of flexibility.” 25.00 – Current challenges-       The business case of producing hydrogen; in many cases, it is more expensive than the conventional way of producing hydrogen with natural gas. -       The size is increasing, and there is an increased link with renewable power which also brings challenges.  -       Electrolyser technologies are new so companies need to get used to it-       Infrastructure challenges - hydrogen storage and pipelines-       Execution capability Regulation and policy can be used to play an important role in giving a premium value to hydrogen in comparison to the incumbent technology…Where there is a lack of policy, there is a high uncertainty on those projects, meaning that it is difficult for us to anticipate and forecast the market. 33.13 - Which skillsets will be sought after in the coming years? 35.00 – Advancements in technology-       Keep monitoring the developments on the commercial market, from universities and institutions. -       Need to reduce the cost of technology and the cost of hydrogen (first step is standardisation).   “If you can design a stack that you don't need to replace, it is, I would say, a major advantage. And that's clearly what we are trying to do is to extend the lifetime of our cell stacks.” 38.19 - What can be achieved by Accelera in the next 5-10 years?-       We are targeting between 6 to 13 billion dollars in revenue by 2030 40.00 - Final thoughts/comments“We are trying to leverage the synergies of the traditional businesses of Cummins with the new businesses of Accelera, allowing us to advantage of all the people and the infrastructure that we have in place in those 190 countries.” -       We need stable policies to allow us to make decisions-       Be patient as there will be a lot of challenges but it is super fascinating and motivating to work in this space-       The hydrogen sector is like building a plane as we are taking off Links:https://www.accelerazero.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/accelerazero/linkedin.com/in/denis-thomas-cumminslinkedin.com/in/michael-bartsch-48612117 

Subtitle: The future of air travel – reach the other side of the world, sustainably, within 4 hours Destinus is an organisation focusing on creating hypersonic air travel, which is five times the speed of sound, not just supersonic. That is travelling across the world sustainably in as little as four to five hours. They are a young startup company founded only two years ago. Destinus is already working in four countries in Europe; Switzerland, Spain, France and Germany. Bios:Bart Van Hove is the Head of Advanced Studies at Destinus. He studied mechanical and aerospace engineering. He became interested in hypersonics and fluid dynamics at the von Karman Institute, where he worked on hypersonic aerodynamic wind tunnels. He did his PhD on Mars atmospheric entry capsules and has been fascinated by astronomy and science from an early age. Destinus is as close to space as you can reasonably fly on Earth, in the stratosphere at Mach 5. While that’s slow for a planetary lander, it’s insanely fast for a passenger aircraft. Bart likes to work on difficult problems with interesting people. Philip Silva is a Mechanical Design Engineer for Destinus. He has worked on cutting-edge technologies at the CERN particle physics experiments, the ITER fusion reaction, and has been involved in numerous hydrogen technology projects involving cryogenics and fuel cells. He is responsible for hydrogen business development at Destinus, including mobility and energy generation. 3.00 - Key learnings from the test flights:The test flights now are subsonic so the aircraft are relatively basic, but they have some special features you don't see in any other plane. There are many things we want to learn about, and one of them is the shape of the aircraft. They are very aggressively shaped to be hypersonic, even though today they fly subsonic. 4.30 - Subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic:Subsonic is under the speed of sound, supersonic is at the rate of sound, and hypersonic is classified as five times the speed of sound. 5.20 - Overview of Destinus’s GoalsWe want to make commercial hypersonic flight real. We want to go a lot faster than Concorde. And we want to make the world like a smaller place where we can go anywhere in less than 2-3 hours.  6.00 – Is Destinus focussed on specific uses vs revolutionising air transport as a wholeIf you look at hydrogen in aviation today, it is usually focused on fuel cells, which is good for short, maybe medium-range travel. We’re working on combustion, and a lot faster. What we are working on is flying to the other side of the world and coming back on the same day. So that means no jet lag and a completely different way in which people will travel. 7 - Amount of fuel to have to keep on boardWe're talking about several tons of fuel, which is not crazy in itself, but the volume of hydrogen is very large because the density is low. You have to store this hydrogen in a liquid form, which means it has to be cryogenic, very cold. That's one of the main challenges with these aircraft. 8 - The challenges, when you fly hypersonic compared to supersonic & refuellingWe are very heavily involved in the refuelling and the ground infrastructure. We have recently created a consortium to create infrastructure in an airport in France. 9.30 - Changes required when this comes to fruitionThe aircraft are designed to operate at airports and they have to operate in airspace together with classical planes. That reality means we need to be compatible with the airports and beyond the fuel infrastructure and use the runways that exist. 10.30 - Safety aspects of having these aircraftFor the aircraft, we're going to be storing hydrogen in liquid form, so the pressure is very low. It's just much safer so if there's anything that happens the hydrogen will expand, but it will not explode, it will not create a shockwave, for example. 13.00 - Navigating through the legislation:Hydrogen is slowly making its way into many industries. The operations and handling of hydrogen have been solved in specialized industries and will slowly make their way into the general society.As for aviation certification and aircraft safety, the basic rules will not change. We have to think about how new technologies can satisfy those rules, but the rules themselves don't have to change. 15.10 - The progression of prototypes and where the design is aiming for in the futureThe prototype aircraft is a progression of increasing complexity. We have been flying subsonic aircraft with hypersonic shapes, but subsonic engines, these are jet fuel. And incrementally, progressively, we are introducing hydrogen, going supersonic, later hypersonic. 16.30 - When is Destinus aiming for the first commercial flight and where is that likely to be?The development of these aircraft will take at least 10 years. We cannot predict that commercial exploitation depends on a number of things like which customers are ready to buy are the regulations and the certifications complete. 17.00 - What other sort of challenges are you facing:There is no shortage of people that want to work on this amazing project. On the other hand, there is some healthy scepticism. We believe we can do it, but we have to show ourselves and we have to show the world – so there is that promise to fulfil. There's also the transition to hydrogen in aviation. In general, there is a big discussion about whether to pursue hydrogen exclusively or whether to rely on sustainable fuels, which may be oils, but zero carbon, this is something long-term that requires a strategic vision. 19.00 - Additional information:We publish a lot of information on LinkedIn, a lot of videos, and a lot of images. We're trying to keep the public informed. We're not trying to keep any secrets. So join us. Even join us professionally.Destinus are trying to align our technological roadmap with as many spin-offs to really create what we call the hydrogen valley. From green hydrogen production to combustion, to energy conversion and energy storage.    20.00 – When is the next test flight?The next test flight is planned for the spring of next year. That will be the 3rd prototype which will ultimately go supersonic with a liquid hydrogen afterburner.This will be the first time in history as well that somebody flies a liquid hydrogen afterburner on an aircraft. It is also a hybrid aircraft with a combination of jet fuel and hydrogen.  21.20 - Cost of tickets:The cost can be reduced to become close to an expensive ticket today if hydrogen takes off and scales up large enough in the future.  22.00 - Realistically, what can be achieved by Destinus in the next 10 years?Fully hydrogen-powered aircraft that fly Mach 5 should be totally possible in that timeframe.One way to put it is, in the next 10 y...