BOC, a Linde company has unveiled plans to accelerate the design and development of a Hydrogen Technology Hub in the Illawarra region of Australia.

The company has secured a $28.5 million grant from the New South Wales (NSW) Government to support the project. The proposed hub, subject to a final investment decision, will be located on BOC’s existing Port Kembla operations site and aims to drive the transition to net-zero emissions in NSW.

The centerpiece of the hydrogen hub will be a 10MW electrolyzer, powered by renewable energy sources, with the capacity to produce approximately four tonnes of green hydrogen per day. This amount of hydrogen could power up to 40 heavy vehicles, making a significant contribution to decarbonizing the transportation sector. By leveraging its global expertise and existing infrastructure, BOC intends to create a sustainable hydrogen supply chain in the region.

The project not only underscores BOC’s commitment to the Illawarra region but also demonstrates its dedication to supporting NSW in its ambitious clean energy goals. With the support of the NSW Government, BOC aims to stimulate hydrogen demand for mobility and energy applications, fostering the growth of a hydrogen economy in the Illawarra and beyond.

BOC brings a wealth of experience to the project, having produced hydrogen in Australia for more than 80 years. The company’s deep understanding of the entire hydrogen supply chain positions it as a key player in driving the transition to green hydrogen. The Hydrogen Technology Hub is expected to create around 100 jobs, fostering local employment and skill development in the construction and maintenance of hydrogen infrastructure.

In the long term, the project envisions the expansion of the hub to include a 650-megawatt electrolyzer, capable of abating 716,514 tonnes of emissions by 2030. This expansion will enable the hub to supply green hydrogen to support the decarbonization of high-emission industries such as steel, glass, and cement production in the region. However, the final investment decision for this phase is still pending.