Hydrogen is an energy carrier which can be used to produce electricity, process heat, or used in industrial and chemical processes. It can be produced by splitting the hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water using electricity through a process called electrolysis.
Green hydrogen shows great potential for nearly eliminating emissions by utilising renewable energy, often available at low cost during times of excess renewable generation.
Electrolysers can vary significantly in size and design, such as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM Electrolysers), Alkaline Electrolysers, and Solid Oxide Electrolysers. Renewable hydrogen can also be produced as bio-hydrogen through processes such as pyrolysis, gasification or torrefaction of biomass residues.
Optimal Group has delivered multiple projects involving hydrogen, with the most notable one being for Jemena in 2019, where we converted a C65 microturbine to run on hydrogen in a world first. The project, Western Sydney Green Gas, was pursued by Jemena to investigate and advance hydrogen applications in Australia. This project also included an Optimal packaged 30 kW fuel cell to meet Jemena's deadline requested by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and to demonstrate the advantages and utilisation of each technology.
Furthermore, we are the Australian sales partner for Panasonic’s new PH3 clean hydrogen fuel cell, with the goal of providing clean and low-emission power generation options for businesses. Optimal is also the Australian service partner for ITM Power, a world-leading manufacturer of electrolysers and we are tasked with servicing and maintaining several green hydrogen systems across Australia.