Frontier Energy Ltd (ASX:FHE) has eliminated a major potential capital and operating cost for its green hydrogen project by identifying multiple suitable water sources near the Bristol Springs Solar (BSS) Project, removing the need for an expensive desalination plant.
Preliminary results from the company’s green hydrogen study have identified three suitable water sources with sufficient capacity to produce hydrogen through electrolysis – the Bunbury Wastewater Treatment plant, Yarragadee freshwater aquifer and water from existing desalination facilities in Kwinana or Bunningup.
Frontier has engaged key stakeholders from each of the water sources in discussions regarding access for future green hydrogen production and remains on track to release both the renewable expansion and green hydrogen study by mid-2022.
Suitable water a “critical aspect”
“The importance of accessing suitable water for green hydrogen production is a critical aspect many appear to be overlooking regarding the development of a sustainable green hydrogen industry,” Frontier Energy managing director Mike Young said.
“Without access to a suitable existing water solution developing a desalination plant is required. Whilst this technology is well understood, it can add hundreds of millions of dollars to a project’s initial capital cost (depending on its size) as well as increase the operating costs.
“The development of a desalination plant will also slow a project’s development timeline given the stringent environmental and development conditions to be met.
“The location of our Bristol Springs Project has again given Frontier a major advantage to others with multiple options throughout the region for existing water access.
“Being on the SWIS (South West Interconnected System) allows the company to transfer our green electrons to the most suitably located hydrogen facility.
“However, clearly being able to use treated wastewater is an excellent outcome for all stakeholders as this adds yet another element of GREEN to the project.”
Location of critical elements for green hydrogen production in southwest Western Australia.