Innovative Hydrogen-Powered Backup Generators Enhance Resilience in Australian Region
Key Ideas
- Energys and Telstra have deployed five hydrogen-powered backup generators at critical regional mobile phone towers in Victoria, Australia to enhance resilience during natural disasters and grid outages.
- The generators, ranging from 12kW to 250kW, provide long-duration zero-emission power, aligning with Victoria's push towards renewable hydrogen and international standards.
- Telstra's investment in Energys' hydrogen generators showcases a transition away from diesel power, demonstrating leadership in trialling hydrogen as a clean energy alternative.
- Energys Australia is set to develop a renewable hydrogen production facility, further advancing sustainable energy solutions with grant funding support.
Energys and Telstra have collaboratively introduced five hydrogen-powered backup generators at critical mobile phone towers in Victoria, Australia. These generators, varying in power capacity from 12kW to 250kW, offer long-lasting zero-emission power to support communities during natural disasters and grid outages. The chosen tower sites in Neerim North, Chum Creek, Christmas Hills, Coldstream, and Kinglake were identified based on their vulnerability to electricity grid storm damage and significance to regional communities during extreme weather events. Energys’ made-in-Mulgrave hydrogen fuel cell generators adhere to both international and Australian standards, meeting the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. This initiative aligns with Victoria's Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Plan, which aims to boost the renewable hydrogen sector. Telstra's receipt of grant funding through the plan for its Renewable Hydrogen Generator Pilot reflects a shift towards cleaner energy sources and highlights the reliability of Energys' hydrogen generators. Energys Australia's future plans include the development of a renewable hydrogen production facility, backed by grant funding support. The move towards hydrogen as a viable energy source was further emphasized by Robin Futcher, Commercial Fuel Solutions’ Managing Director, during a recent webinar. Futcher highlighted hydrogen's potential in alleviating grid congestion by utilizing renewable energy that would normally go to waste due to grid connection issues.