Frontier Energy Ltd (ASX:FHE) has underscored the potential of the Bristol Springs Solar Project (BSS Project) in Western Australia to produce commercial quantities of green hydrogen with a Renewable Expansion Technical Assessment completed by Xodus Group.
The study outlined a potential renewable energy capacity of 438 mega-watts for the tenure, which includes an initial stage of 114 mega-watts before gradual expansion activities take place.
Frontier assessed the possibilities of both wind and solar energy solutions, but found that wind was not competitive and a solar-only option would provide the best outcome.
The company expects the scenarios laid out in the study to reduce capital and operating costs going forward, specifically because of existing infrastructure, shared facilities and increased economies of scale.
Project aligns with state and federal objectives
“Our strategy aligns with the federal and state governments’ drive to decarbonise energy supply to industry and households,” Frontier Energy chair Grant Davey said.
“Our expanded footprint allows for relatively cheap expansion as we are strategically located around existing infrastructure.
“Our Expansion Study indicates the potential for lower cost of green hydrogen production through economies of scale and world class infrastructure in the area.
“We will continue to assess additional opportunities in the region as our long-term strategy is to have renewable green energy generation of more than 1 giga-watt (GW).”
The total unit cost (inclusive of capital) for stage one hydrogen production at the BSS Project has been estimated at $2.83 per kilogram of hydrogen produced.
Frontier’s studies have forecast an estimated production of 4.4 million kilograms of green hydrogen per annum with a stage one solar farm (114 mega-watts) powering a 36.6 mega-watt alkaline electrolyser.
Existing infrastructure at BSS includes the Landwehr Terminal, accessible water sources as well as transportation-related infrastructure that could be used by possible early offtake partners such as the Dampier Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.