Energy Minister Bill Johnston officially opened ATCO’s $3.6 million Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Jandakot today.
The research facility will investigate the potential role of hydrogen in the future energy mix, as natural gas provides a lower carbon alternative to other traditional energy sources.
It will also examine how renewable energy and natural gas technologies can successfully integrate and support the electricity grid in Western Australia.
ATCO’s hub is equipped with solar panels to power its facility and utilises batteries to store excess energy when the sun is not shining.
Any remaining energy from the solar panels is used to power an electrolyser to produce hydrogen for use with natural gas.
Additionally, ATCO’s Hybrid Modular Home at the Jandakot site will demonstrate the use of hydrogen for home use in gas appliances and to create backup electricity in a hydrogen fuel cell.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“Congratulations to ATCO and all its staff on developing this facility, I look forward to hearing the outcomes of the research undertaken here.
“It is very encouraging to see industry investing in new technologies and aiding research for a cleaner, greener energy future in Western Australia.
“The McGowan Government is moving forward with reforms to modernise the structure and design of Western Australia’s energy market to deliver cleaner and more affordable energy to all consumers.
“Our Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap, will guide the integration of solar panels, battery storage systems, and microgrids and be ready by the end of 2019.
“The Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Council is also looking at ways to foster the emerging renewable hydrogen industry in our State.”
