ABB is to supply technology to a clean energy project in Australia that will deliver hydrogen to Japan.
The Swiss company will provide automation, electrification and instrumentation solutions for the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain pilot project.
The project aims to test the production of hydrogen gas through brown coal gasification, liquefaction of hydrogen gas, storage and loading onto the world’s first specialised carrier for transport across the Asia-Pacific.
Construction of the small-scale pilot facilities at the Port of Hastings in Victoria started this year.
The pilot phase will operate for approximately one year from 2020.
ABB has been awarded orders in both Australia and Japan, winning an electrification and instrumentation contract in Australia and an automation contract in Japan from Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
In Australia, ABB will supply and integrate electrical equipment including LV switchgear and distribution panels, power quality components, UPS, end-to-end engineering, project management and commissioning services, as well as instrumentation, motor and gearboxes for the new hydrogen liquefaction and loading terminal at Hastings.
In Japan, there is a liquid hydrogen receiving terminal at Kobe. ABB Bailey Japan will provide an automation and safety system to support the local operations.
ABB said that project could create A$2bn in exports for Australia.
ABB industrial automation business president Peter Terwiesch said: “ABB is excited to collaborate on this world-first pilot to commercialise technology for liquefying and transporting hydrogen from Australia and deliver clean energy to Japan, while also reducing emissions.
“As a technology leader, our high-quality products and solutions are matched by our global experience and an innovative spirit.”
ABB Energy Industries managing director Kevin Kosisko said: “Worldwide, we are leveraging our competency in the energy industries to support our customers in major projects with potential to generate greener and more sustainable energy sources for tomorrow’s world.”