MASTER PLAN

(as distributed nationally since Nov. 2003)

Implementation - Liaison Committee Meeting - Excerpt

HYDROGEN PRODUCTION SCOPING PAPER

                             [ Nov. 2003 Washington DC. ]

“ By 2010, identify possible demonstration project for massive hydrogen production (taken into account the different national/European programs) ”

Between years 2006-2011 an IPHE funded program based on the SCS plants can be agreed upon, so that a large facility can be constructed within Australia with the purpose of harnessing solar thermal energy via the concentrator system, to mass-produce hydrogen for super tanker exportation. The level of cooperation among IPHE member nations will be unprecedented as relating to hydrogen supply infrastructure. Electrolysis hydrogen at this point would be the targeted method of hydrogen production. Whilst we know technology will naturally progress further over time, the system would be designed to be flexible, yet the cooperative nature of the resources required cannot. There would be an agreed method of funding from each IPHE member, so that resource allocation and return on such investment is applied equitably.

In return each funding IPHE member would receive a guaranteed supply of hydrogen as the future energy carrier, at the cheapest price. The project’s capacity would easily utilise economies of scale in the production of hydrogen process. Low-pressure hydrogen storage is deemed conquered, or the equivalent attained in chemical compound form.Should consensus thus be reached on such a proposal within a reasonable time, Australia would be the focus of a reliable and secure supply of hydrogen as an energy carrier, to IPHE participating member countries. Australia being selected because of its vast natural resources, and its unique position of being a stable and secure country as well, surrounded by abundant port facilities.

If this proposal after agreement is deemed highly feasible before year 2015, as relating to a safe and reliable supply of hydrogen as an energy carrier via super tanker, we have infrastructure. This deemed hydrogen supply infrastructure then could seriously be integrated into the commercial decision on whether there is a “Green” for go on the Hydrogen Economy in year 2015.        

It is suggested that the Ministerial Council in the future at least facilitate hydrogen and fuel cell technologies by reasonable scenarios. Whilst hydrogen will be extracted from fossil fuels like natural gas and coal, such energy sources will be in demand for some time to come. It however does not hurt to be on the side of caution and facilitate scenarios by example where “mass hydrogen production” is being contemplated by the IPHE, where multi-lateral funding will build such a plant, probably in Australia around year 2010.In fact this scenario is promoted in the above assessment for solar thermal energy. It is in Australia’s interest to have such a large solar thermal hydrogen plant built in Australia.

The full report on the  above was issued at ministerial level across Australia in Feb.04 by the NHIA, to highlight large solar concentrator systems (paraboloid),utilising Australian technology (Big Dish), for hydrogen production as part of a multi-functional plant that can be expanded over time. Initial markets would be water and stable electricity price supply,with future potential on hydrogen production for blending with CNG for HCNG(export China), local market, and hydrogen for export,and or addition to natural gas pipeline.