Almost 50 industry and government leaders gathered recently to discuss the outlook for hydrogen and other renewables in the Limestone Coast and Green Triangle regions at the Our Renewables Future forum.
Hosted by UniSA, Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast, Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the event provided attendees the opportunity to hear from Office for Hydrogen Power director, industry development Richard Day, who outlined South Australia’s history of power sources.
Conversation focused on the state’s rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
The day highlighted South Australia was 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.
Attendees also heard presentations from the Industry Capability Network (ICN), the Committee for Portland and the entX LCH2 (Limestone Coast Hydrogen Development) and Kimberly Clark Australia.
entX general manager hydrogen and clean fuels Glenn Toogood presented plans to develop LCH2, a major green hydrogen production facility to be located adjacent to Kimberly Clark’s Millicent Mill.
“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.
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.
