Shire of Dardanup calls for expressions of interest to establish and operate hydrogen energy facility

An opportunity to establish, own and operate a hydrogen energy facility has emerged as a South West council continues to look into the benefits of hydrogen energy in a bid to transition towards a low-carbon economy. Dardanup Shire councillors on Wednesday voted to receive a feasibility study, business case and road map for establishing a hydrogen energy facility at the Shire’s depot on Martin Pelusey Road, as the council continues to look into the benefits of hydrogen energy. The council has also put the call-out for expressions of interest from potential proponents for the design, construction and operation of the facility. While the preliminary business case remains in its early stages, the Bunbury Herald was told the Shire of Dardanup would open an extended period of time to allow expressions of interest to be submitted. The feasibility study considered the establishment of a range of facilities ranging from small-scale production of 100kg of hydrogen a day to large-scale production of 20,000kg of hydrogen a day, with the study showing promising results with a high level of return on investment and a reasonable payback period. As the global energy sector continues to transition towards a low-carbon economy, hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative fuel to help achieve lower carbon emissions. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being increasingly used in vehicles and power generation, with growing demand for green hydrogen to be produced through renewable energy sources. A report submitted to council stated the Shire of Dardanup recognised the need to transition to a low-carbon economy and conducted a draft feasibility study to investigate the potential for establishing a hydrogen facility at its depot. After questions were previously raised by council around actions and costs required, it was recommended that council called for expressions of interest for a proponent to design, construct, own and operate the facility at the Shire depot. Following the EOI process, councillors will be in a position to consider the submissions received and make an informed decision on how to progress, with future steps depending on what the proponents are seeking. Shire of Dardanup chief executive officer Andre Schonfeldt said in his report to council the establishment of a hydrogen facility at the Shire’s depot could be a positive step towards transitioning to a low-carbon economy. “This project is seen as the first major step for the Shire of Dardanup towards its zero emission aspiration,” he said.