WA funds feasibility study into becoming electrolyser manufacturing powerhouse
The Western Australian Government is partnering with ITM Power and Linde Engineering in a $450,000 study to develop a business case for the manufacturing of hydrogen electrolysers within the State
Electrolysers are a core component of producing renewable hydrogen through electrolysis, a chemical process which separates water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules using electricity.
Global forecasts project the demand for electrolysers capacity will increase from 0.3 gigawatts today, to close to 850 gigawatts by 2030, and almost 3,600 gigawatts by 2050.
Western Australians could have up to 100 gigawatts of renewable hydrogen generation capacity in the State by 2030.
As the expansion of hydrogen production continues, the demand for critical equipment such as electrolysers will increase, which presents a new opportunity for local advanced manufacturing industries.
In June 2022, the McGowan Government invited ITM Power in partnership with Linde Engineering in Australia to develop a business case for local electrolyser assembly and manufacture.
The business case aims to identify the site, costs, and local demand needed to get upstream manufacturing underway.
Electrolyser manufacturing is a key initiative in implementing the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy.
Under the Climate Action Fund, $500,000 has been allocated to support industry proponents in undertaking feasibility studies regarding the potential size, scale and market for electrolyser manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance opportunities.
These studies will allow the State to better position itself in the supply chain for renewable hydrogen, by providing clearly defined opportunities around potential manufacturing capabilities.
