Forty-eight leaders from industry and government met in Mount Gambier recently to discuss the outlook for hydrogen and other renewables in the Limestone Coast and Green Triangle. With presentations from the Office for Hydrogen Power, the Industry Capability Network (ICN), the Committee for Portland and the entX LCH2 (Limestone Coast Hydrogen Development)and Kimberly Clark Australia, attendees heard about government policy, current projects, and opportunities. The forum was a collaboration between Uni SA, Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
The context for the conversation was presented by Richard Day from the Office for Hydrogen Power, who outlined South Australia’s history of power sources, with a focus on the State’s rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Day highlighted that South Australia is recognised as one of the most dynamic power grids in the world, with the ability to shift between solar, wind, batteries and gas, based on supply and demand.
Glenn Toogood, General Manager of Hydrogen and Clean Fuels at entX, presented an overview of plans for the development of LCH2, a major green hydrogen production facility to be located adjacent to Kimberly-Clark’s Millicent Mill. entX is a leader in the renewable energy sector.
“The forum provided a great opportunity to kickstart a conversation about the potential for green hydrogen to position industries in the Limestone Coast and Green Triangle as leaders in a future decarbonised economy” Mr Toogood said.
Steve Garner and Greg Burgoyne from the Committee for Portland brought a Victorian perspective to the day, sharing their experience with the rapid changes in the wind industry and investigations for alternative electricity transmission lines. Works are underway to research options to replace the traditional lattice type towers with a mono-pole system.
The final presentation shone a spotlight on the opportunities for local businesses to register for supply to Government and other major projects across the State. Bettina Venner from the Industry Capability Network presented an overview of the hydrogen supply chain and how businesses can position themselves to deliver products and services.
A panel discussion concluded the forum, with participants able to ask questions from all presenters. Overall, the forum was a positive first step in a regional conversation about decarbonisation in the Limestone Coast and Green Triangle.
For more information, please contact:
Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast on (08) 8723 1057
