Scale up & demonstration of next-generation CSIRO axial flow electrolyser

Summary

Need

This project was selected as part of the competitive Hydrogen R&D Funding Round under the Transformative Research Accelerating Commercialisation (TRAC) Program rapidly to develop the critical technologies required to build a clean, innovative, safe, and competitive hydrogen industry and position Australia as a major player globally. While hydrogen technologies and targets have continued to evolve, R&D investment remains a critical imperative to commercialise clean hydrogen. Projects supported by the Hydrogen R&D Funding Round seek to progress the commercialisation of low cost, clean hydrogen in Australia.

Action

The Project will be delivered in two Stages:

Stage 1: 2-year Core Research Stage – Next generation cell design, fabrication, testing; Integration into a multicell, 2kW Hydrogen production rig at CSIRO Clayton facilities; Computational Fluid Design (CFD) modelling of large footprint cells; design of production scale cells and design of a 20kW prototype system.

Stage 2: 3-year Research Commercialisation Stage – a 20kW prototype (including required cells) will be built, installed and demonstrated at Fortescue facilities; Refined techno-economic analysis and commercialization plan; Assembly, testing and demonstration of a 200kW pilot plant.

Outcome

The objectives for the Project will be achieved through the following Outcomes:

1. accelerated commercialisation of renewable hydrogen through innovative R&D in hydrogen production technologies;
2. increased academic research capacity in the Australian hydrogen sector, and the facilitation of collaboration between research groups and industry; and
3. improvement in the technology readiness and commercial readiness of hydrogen production technologies.

Additional impact

• Accelerated Innovation: exchange of research findings, technological breakthroughs and best practices between CSIRO, Fortescue and supply chains.
• Interdisciplinary advancement – promoting collaboration between diverse expertise in science and engineering, fostering development of more efficient and practical hydrogen technology with real commercial outcomes.
• Addressing sustainability, including environmental impact and lifecycle in hydrogen production
• Educating a skilled workforce in the emerging field; seeding the next generation of hydrogen innovators.
• Market Expansion: Adding competition to the emerging hydrogen market
• Influence policy and regulatory frameworks in hydrogen technology, promoting safety and responsible hydrogen use
• Catalyst for ongoing growth of Australia’s renewable energy sector