Western Australia’s first ever hydrogen facilities have been given the green light, with the state set to receive a new green hydrogen power station in Denham, hydrogen refuelling stations in Jandakot and Hazelmere, and various vehicle transport systems.
The decision comes after a series of inspections and assessments by Dangerous Goods Officers from the Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety’s (DMIRS) Worksafe Petroleum Safety and Dangerous Goods Directorate.
The facilities and transport systems (which include a hydrogen bus fuelling station, hydrogen transport trailers and ammonia powered locomotives) were licensed and inspected under the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004.
DMIRS Principal Inspector, Daryl Colgan, said with the increasing global demand for the production of green energy there is unprecedented interest in the development of green hydrogen, green ammonia and bio-fuel facilities.
“The first small scale projects are now operational,” Mr Colgan said.
“Our recent inspections have demonstrated that when we work closely with industry from the start of a project, including before a location is chosen, the safety outcomes are significantly better for both the business and community.”
Mr Colgan said the positive feedback from industry, such as Horizon Power, is very important in the development of Western Australia’s green fuels industry.
“It shows we have the right systems in place and expertise to ensure the larger multi-million dollar projects – expected to start in the next few years – also operate in a safe and sustainable manner.”
Horizon Power Project Manager, Renato Pascucci, said the early engagement with DMIRS’s Dangerous Goods Directorate and comprehensive assessment of their Denham Hydrogen Demonstration Plant provided valuable insights into the installation, highlighting areas for improvement, and identifying potential risks.
