Overview

JCEC QLD is organising a site tour of QUT’s Hydrogen Pilot Plant.

The imperative to transition to green hydrogen transcends theoretical frameworks, demanding rigorous, real-world validation. H2Xport, conceived in 2018 and fully operational since December 2024, stands as a pivotal pilot plant, bridging the chasm between innovative concepts and practical deployment. This facility confronts the intricate technological and systems integration challenges inherent in establishing a robust hydrogen economy. Its strategically designed, compact footprint affords exceptional adaptability, serving as a dynamic testbed for cutting-edge prototypes developed by both burgeoning clean tech start-ups and established industry leaders.

Beyond its role as a mere experimental platform, H2Xport has demonstrably functioned as a fully operational hydrogen refuelling station and a renewables-powered substation. This showcases the tangible realities of grid stabilization and efficient energy storage, providing invaluable testing and operational data. Crucially, the plant fosters the development of future hydrogen experts, offering hands-on training to researchers, engineers, and technicians. With over 200 site visits to date since full commissioning in December 2024, H2Xport actively cultivates meaningful community engagement, bolstering the crucial social license necessary for widespread hydrogen adoption. This pilot plant is not simply a showcase of technology; it is a vital catalyst, accelerating the realization of a sustainable hydrogen-powered future.

H2Xport Pilot Plant

The QUT Hydrogen Process Research & Development project has developed a scalable and systematic process to evaluate the viability of decentralised and regional-scale renewable energy hybrid systems to generate hydrogen from sustainable resources. 

Led by QUT in collaboration three other universities and six industry partners, the Hydrogen for Export project aims to develop a generic, scalable and systematic process to evaluate the operational viability of decentralised and/or regional-scale renewable energy (RE) hybrid systems to generate hydrogen (H2) for export and ultimately, for domestic use. The project team has built a series of flexible “test-platforms” of hybrid H2 production/use systems – at bench and pilot scale – to inform models on component and integrated component performance.

How the project works

The QUT Hydrogen Process Research & Development project provides an experimental validation and integrated modelling of a hybrid renewable energy process that utilises solar power, energy storage and non-potable water to produce, store, and use hydrogen. The project utilises two existing solar array technologies and battery packs to power treatment of non-potable water and electrolysis of treated water to produce and use hydrogen for re-use within the facility and for export. A microgrid controls all components and delivers performance data to enterprise-level models of hybrid renewable energy (RE) systems.

The visit will include:

• Introduction to the H2Xport Pilot Plant
• Tour of the pilot plant equipment and explanation of its functions
• Integration of electrolysis, solar array and BESS technologies

Two site visits have been scheduled—one in April and another in May. 

• Registrations for the April visit close on 18 April 2025
• Registrations for the May visit close on 23 May 2025

Please note: Only 10 participants are allowed per visit, so spots are extremely limited.

Be quick to register and make sure to select the month you plan to attend.

Time

10:00–12:00 AEST.

Price

Price includes GST.

• IChemE / EA member: $10.00
• Non-member rate: $20.00
• Student and early career researchers: $10.00