The Australian Association for Hydrogen Energy is a member of the international alliance of hydrogen associations known as PATH - the Partnership for Advancing the Transition to Hydrogen. Information on this alliance is to be found at the website www.hpath.org.
The PATH has recently assembled a draft report on World Progress in Hydrogen. This is available online here. Note that this is a large file for download.
The contribution that the AAHE has made to this progress report is reproduced below.
AUSTRALIA
With Australia’s unique position in the South Pacific and ample sources of renewable energy, including solar, wave/tidal, and wind, the country has become increasingly recognized internationally as a leader in production of hydrogen and fuel cell products. As Australia works to reduce its reliance on fossil-based fuels, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism has created the Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) to promote zero emission technologies and implement a range of renewable energy programs. The current CEI program budget of $5 billion (AUS) includes carbon capture & storage as well as solar initiatives including the Australian Solar Institute and the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE). The ACRE conducts research and development on biofuels, geothermal power, wind energy, electric storage, and technology integration and deployment. Currently 7% of Australia’s energy needs are supplied from renewable energy sources.i While the CEI does not explicitly work on hydrogen or fuel cells, progress in advancing renewable energy sources to the marketplace benefits hydrogen and fuel cells as a potential energy carrier. As conveyed in its National Hydrogen Study, Australia has a great opportunity to develop hydrogen infrastructure to a level that will allow it to replace fossil-based fuels as a primary energy export.ii
In spite of progress made in renewable energy in Australia, the 2008 Hydrogen Technology Roadmap published by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism cautiously warns that “Australia risks significant competitive disadvantage in the global hydrogen and fuel cell markets and industry growth if it is simply left to market forces to prepare for their introduction locally.” Progress in Australia is being delayed by similar challenges present in other countries. The Roadmap goes on to warn that “…Australia has some world-class technology strengths in specific hydrogen, fuel cell and system integration areas, but the ability of Australia to exploit these is compromised by current energy market and innovation system weaknesses.”
To address this issue, the Roadmap outlines tasks necessary for hydrogen and fuel cell industry growth. Many of the goals enumerated have already been met, including the establishment of a hydrogen and fuel cell association, which was realized with the formation of the Australian Association for Hydrogen Energy (AAHE) in late 2009 (www.HydrogenAustralia.org <http://www.HydrogenAustralia.org>). The Roadmap also emphasized the importance of continued participation and engagement with the international hydrogen and fuel cell community. Australia has also seen robust policy formation and legislative progress in renewable and clean energy. The AAHE hopes for more explicit hydrogen and fuel cell legislation that would be a stronger show of support and a more practical implementation of the Roadmap’s goals. Also still needed is the development of a clear set of regulations, codes, & standards; market development in the supply chain & business sectors; Existing companies need to provide There is also large scale support for extensive demonstrations projects, similar to the case in Canada. These will subsequently lead to expanded commercialization.
Research and Development on hydrogen technologies at academic institutions is a focus in Australia’s alternative energy commitment. A sampling of hydrogen research projects includeiii:
· Development of novel low-Pt catalysts for PEM fuel cells,” Dr Andrew Dicks and Dr Geoff Will, Queensland University of Technology, Australia/India Stategic Research Fund $297,000 (AUS)/3 years
· Development of non-precious metal cathode atalysts for oxygen-reduction in the PEM fuel cell - Dr Andrew Dicks, The University of Queensland $189,000 (AUS)/3 years.
· Stationary sustainable power using advanced fuel processing technology” Dr Andrew Dicks, Queensland University of Technology/ LC Energy/ Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund, $223,500
· “Development of Zero Emission Coal Technology (Incorporating Enhanced H2 Generation, CO2 Capture ad Fuel Cell Integration)”- Dr. Andrew Harris, The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales: $300,000 (AUS)/ 4 years
· Gasification Technology for the Production of Hydrogen”- Dr. Jorge Beltramini, Prof. Max Lu, & Mr. Akshat Tanksale, The University of Queensland and the ARC Centre for Excellence for functional Nanomaterials: $300,000 (AUS)/ 5 years
· Efficient and Practical Hydrogen Fuelled Vehicle Technologies”- Dr. Michael Brear, Prof. Will Ducker, Dr. Chris Manzie, Prof. Dragan Nesic and Prof. Harry Watson, The University of Melbourne, ford Motor Company of Australia, Haskell Australasia and University of North Florida: $3 million (AUS)/ 3 years
· Electric drive systems for low emission vehicles”- Dr. Stephen Collocott, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering: $950,000 / 5 years
2010 saw significant business infrastructure development, as the AAHE hosted its first workshop addressing sustainable transport, infrastructure development, and international policy in November. The AAHE has also established working groups to address various topics including standards & regulations and renewable hydrogen. The establishment of a hydrogen and fuel cell industry association is just one of many goals outlined in the 2008 Hydrogen Technology Roadmapiv. In the near future, the industry aims to establish infrastructure in order to build towards the goal of “effectively exploiting emerging hydrogen and fuel cell market and supply-chain opportunities”v globally.
Australia has served as host to several noted international hydrogen/renewable conferences; including the 17th World Hydrogen Energy Conference (WHEC) is Brisbane, Queensland in June 2008, and EcoGen 2010 (Sydney, NSW, September 2010), which also served as the venue for the AAHE’s official launch. Joining Dr. Andrew Dicks, President of the AAHE for the launching event, were Jeff Serfass, former President of the U.S. National Hydrogen Association and General Manager of PATH, Janice Larson, Director of Renewable Energy Development for the Government of British Columbia (Canada), and the Honourable Clover Moore MP, Lord Mayor of Sydney who announced that Sydney will also play host to the 2015 World Hydrogen Technologies Conference (WHTC). In the lead-up to WHTC in 2015, expect a number of new demonstration projects showcasing the roles hydrogen and fuel cell technology plays in meeting Australia’s long-term energy needs.
i “Energy in Australia 2011” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2011
ii “Towards Development of an Australian Scientific Roadmap for the Hydrogen Economy” Australian Academy of Science, March 2008 <http://www.science.org.au/reports/documents/hydrogen.pdf>
iii “Australian Hydrogen Activity 2008” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Dr A. L. Dicks, Dr J. Bradley and D. T. Alexander, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, 2008
iv “Hydrogen Technology Roadmap” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2008
v “Hydrogen Technology Roadmap” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2008
The PATH has recently assembled a draft report on World Progress in Hydrogen. This is available online here. Note that this is a large file for download.
The contribution that the AAHE has made to this progress report is reproduced below.
AUSTRALIA
With Australia’s unique position in the South Pacific and ample sources of renewable energy, including solar, wave/tidal, and wind, the country has become increasingly recognized internationally as a leader in production of hydrogen and fuel cell products. As Australia works to reduce its reliance on fossil-based fuels, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism has created the Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) to promote zero emission technologies and implement a range of renewable energy programs. The current CEI program budget of $5 billion (AUS) includes carbon capture & storage as well as solar initiatives including the Australian Solar Institute and the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE). The ACRE conducts research and development on biofuels, geothermal power, wind energy, electric storage, and technology integration and deployment. Currently 7% of Australia’s energy needs are supplied from renewable energy sources.i While the CEI does not explicitly work on hydrogen or fuel cells, progress in advancing renewable energy sources to the marketplace benefits hydrogen and fuel cells as a potential energy carrier. As conveyed in its National Hydrogen Study, Australia has a great opportunity to develop hydrogen infrastructure to a level that will allow it to replace fossil-based fuels as a primary energy export.ii
In spite of progress made in renewable energy in Australia, the 2008 Hydrogen Technology Roadmap published by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism cautiously warns that “Australia risks significant competitive disadvantage in the global hydrogen and fuel cell markets and industry growth if it is simply left to market forces to prepare for their introduction locally.” Progress in Australia is being delayed by similar challenges present in other countries. The Roadmap goes on to warn that “…Australia has some world-class technology strengths in specific hydrogen, fuel cell and system integration areas, but the ability of Australia to exploit these is compromised by current energy market and innovation system weaknesses.”
To address this issue, the Roadmap outlines tasks necessary for hydrogen and fuel cell industry growth. Many of the goals enumerated have already been met, including the establishment of a hydrogen and fuel cell association, which was realized with the formation of the Australian Association for Hydrogen Energy (AAHE) in late 2009 (www.HydrogenAustralia.org <http://www.HydrogenAustralia.org>). The Roadmap also emphasized the importance of continued participation and engagement with the international hydrogen and fuel cell community. Australia has also seen robust policy formation and legislative progress in renewable and clean energy. The AAHE hopes for more explicit hydrogen and fuel cell legislation that would be a stronger show of support and a more practical implementation of the Roadmap’s goals. Also still needed is the development of a clear set of regulations, codes, & standards; market development in the supply chain & business sectors; Existing companies need to provide There is also large scale support for extensive demonstrations projects, similar to the case in Canada. These will subsequently lead to expanded commercialization.
Research and Development on hydrogen technologies at academic institutions is a focus in Australia’s alternative energy commitment. A sampling of hydrogen research projects includeiii:
· Development of novel low-Pt catalysts for PEM fuel cells,” Dr Andrew Dicks and Dr Geoff Will, Queensland University of Technology, Australia/India Stategic Research Fund $297,000 (AUS)/3 years
· Development of non-precious metal cathode atalysts for oxygen-reduction in the PEM fuel cell - Dr Andrew Dicks, The University of Queensland $189,000 (AUS)/3 years.
· Stationary sustainable power using advanced fuel processing technology” Dr Andrew Dicks, Queensland University of Technology/ LC Energy/ Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund, $223,500
· “Development of Zero Emission Coal Technology (Incorporating Enhanced H2 Generation, CO2 Capture ad Fuel Cell Integration)”- Dr. Andrew Harris, The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales: $300,000 (AUS)/ 4 years
· Gasification Technology for the Production of Hydrogen”- Dr. Jorge Beltramini, Prof. Max Lu, & Mr. Akshat Tanksale, The University of Queensland and the ARC Centre for Excellence for functional Nanomaterials: $300,000 (AUS)/ 5 years
· Efficient and Practical Hydrogen Fuelled Vehicle Technologies”- Dr. Michael Brear, Prof. Will Ducker, Dr. Chris Manzie, Prof. Dragan Nesic and Prof. Harry Watson, The University of Melbourne, ford Motor Company of Australia, Haskell Australasia and University of North Florida: $3 million (AUS)/ 3 years
· Electric drive systems for low emission vehicles”- Dr. Stephen Collocott, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering: $950,000 / 5 years
2010 saw significant business infrastructure development, as the AAHE hosted its first workshop addressing sustainable transport, infrastructure development, and international policy in November. The AAHE has also established working groups to address various topics including standards & regulations and renewable hydrogen. The establishment of a hydrogen and fuel cell industry association is just one of many goals outlined in the 2008 Hydrogen Technology Roadmapiv. In the near future, the industry aims to establish infrastructure in order to build towards the goal of “effectively exploiting emerging hydrogen and fuel cell market and supply-chain opportunities”v globally.
Australia has served as host to several noted international hydrogen/renewable conferences; including the 17th World Hydrogen Energy Conference (WHEC) is Brisbane, Queensland in June 2008, and EcoGen 2010 (Sydney, NSW, September 2010), which also served as the venue for the AAHE’s official launch. Joining Dr. Andrew Dicks, President of the AAHE for the launching event, were Jeff Serfass, former President of the U.S. National Hydrogen Association and General Manager of PATH, Janice Larson, Director of Renewable Energy Development for the Government of British Columbia (Canada), and the Honourable Clover Moore MP, Lord Mayor of Sydney who announced that Sydney will also play host to the 2015 World Hydrogen Technologies Conference (WHTC). In the lead-up to WHTC in 2015, expect a number of new demonstration projects showcasing the roles hydrogen and fuel cell technology plays in meeting Australia’s long-term energy needs.
i “Energy in Australia 2011” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2011
ii “Towards Development of an Australian Scientific Roadmap for the Hydrogen Economy” Australian Academy of Science, March 2008 <http://www.science.org.au/reports/documents/hydrogen.pdf>
iii “Australian Hydrogen Activity 2008” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Dr A. L. Dicks, Dr J. Bradley and D. T. Alexander, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, 2008
iv “Hydrogen Technology Roadmap” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2008
v “Hydrogen Technology Roadmap” Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2008
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© 2011 Australian Association for Hydrogen Energy
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