Pioneering Solar Hydrogen Microgrid in Coastal Denham, Western Australia
Key Ideas
  • Horizon Power in Western Australia has successfully launched a solar hydrogen microgrid in Denham, featuring solar panels, electrolysers, fuel cells, and storage systems to provide renewable energy.
  • The microgrid is expected to generate 526 MWh of renewable energy annually, with 13,000 kg of green hydrogen produced per year, potentially reducing diesel use by 140,000 liters.
  • Lessons learned from the project, including developing a sophisticated control program, will enhance the integration of hydrogen technology into electricity systems in Western Australia and beyond.
  • The initiative not only demonstrates the feasibility of using hydrogen for energy storage but also highlights its potential to support the energy transition and create economic opportunities in regional communities.
Horizon Power, in collaboration with the Western Australian government, has unveiled a pioneering solar hydrogen microgrid in Denham, Australia. This innovative project encompasses a 704 kW solar farm, two 174 kW electrolysers, storage systems, and a 100 kW fuel cell. The microgrid, connected to Denham's existing power system, aims to produce 526 MWh of renewable energy annually, with a significant portion sourced from green hydrogen. The initiative is expected to generate 13,000 kg of green hydrogen per year, potentially cutting diesel consumption by 140,000 liters annually. The project's Public Knowledge Sharing Report highlights the challenges faced during development and emphasizes the importance of a mature control program to manage the electrolysers efficiently. Horizon Power views this project not only as a means to maximize hydrogen production but also to showcase the capability of hydrogen storage systems in storing excess renewable energy and supplying it back to the grid. Western Australian Acting Energy Minister, Dr. Tony Buti, lauded the Denham microgrid as a milestone in utilizing hydrogen as a backup for renewable energy sources. He sees hydrogen playing a crucial role in the state's energy transition, offering job opportunities and new export markets. The successful implementation of the project in Denham demonstrates how hydrogen technology can benefit regional communities connected to microgrids. Horizon Power plans to continue monitoring the performance of the microgrid for the next 12 months to enhance its operation and maintenance. The insights gathered from this initiative are expected to advance the integration of hydrogen technology in electricity systems at a broader scale, contributing to the ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources.
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