CIC unveils plans for 20 GW of off-grid green hydrogen in Australia

CIC chairman and co-founder David Green. Source: Climate Impact Corporation.

Renewable energy and green hydrogen projects developer Climate Impact Corporation (CIC) has plans for two 10-GW green hydrogen projects in central Australia that would utilise its modular technology, it was announced on Wednesday.

The plan includes establishing a local supply chain and possibly manufacturing electrolysers and other critical elements of CIC’s proprietary modules locally in Adelaide.

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CIC said in a statement that it has so far signed a number of strategic partnership agreements and even secured offtake buyers for enough locally-produced green hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives to support the development of large-scale projects in the country. It has also met with key members of the South Australian government in Adelaide, including deputy premier Susan Close and trade minister Joe Szakacs to further discuss the matter and seek the government’s general support.

“We’re speaking to leaders in Adelaide and Darwin about renewable hydrogen projects in their states and territories, as well as component manufacturing, that will provide ongoing jobs for hundreds of people while producing zero-carbon fuels. Government support on permitting, streamlining approvals process, and ensuring suitable sites are available would accelerate this investment significantly,” said David Green, chairman and co-founder of CIC.

When it comes to the newly-formed strategic partnerships, CIC has one with GE Vernova that calls for them to work together to maximise the efficiency of the self-contained modules. Other new partners include JA Solar, Sungrow Hydrogen and Shuangliang Hydrogen.

CIC’s technology revolves around the use of modular hydrogen production units that operate entirely off-grid, each containing solar panels, atmospheric water generators, electrolysers and supporting infrastructure. The company stresses that the use of atmospheric water helps deal with challenges like water scarcity in some regions of Australia.

The developer expects the first test modules to be producing hydrogen in the Northern Territory or South Australia as soon as later this year.