Study proves feasibility of gas to hydrogen pipeline conversion

• Testing by Australian energy infrastructure business APA Group confirms the technical feasibility of converting a 43 kilometre section of the Parmelia Gas Pipeline to carry 100 per cent hydrogen
• Potential to be one of the first hydrogen transmission pipeline conversions in Australia
• Study partly funded with $300,000 from the WA Government's Renewable Hydrogen Fund
  

A 43 kilometre section of the Parmelia Gas Pipeline is a step closer to being one of the first gas transmission pipelines in Australia to be converted to a pure hydrogen service, with APA Group (APA) announcing it has successfully completed pressurised hydrogen testing.

Laboratory testing conducted by APA, the owner and operator of the Parmelia Gas Pipeline, has successfully proved that it is technically feasible, safe and efficient to run the southern section of the pipeline at the current operating pressure using pure or blended hydrogen.

The 43 kilometre section of the pipeline being considered for conversion runs between the Kwinana Industrial Area and the Alcoa Pinjarra Refinery.

The testing was conducted as part of APA's second phase of research into converting the section of pipeline and was partly funded with $300,000 from the WA Government's Renewable Hydrogen Fund.

The WA Government is investing more than $170 million to accelerate the growth of Western Australia's renewable hydrogen industry and meet the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The pressurised hydrogen testing was undertaken at Australia' first dedicated hydrogen test laboratory at the University of Wollongong, in partnership with the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre.

The next phase of the project will consider preparing the pipeline for hydrogen service, including detailed conversion plans and safety studies, while continuing to investigate potential supply and offtake opportunities.

To read the public knowledge sharing report for APA Group's Parmelia Gas Pipeline Hydrogen Conversion Project Technical Feasibility Study, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/public-knowledge-sharing-reports-wa-renewable-hydrogen-fund

Comments attributed to State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:

"The Parmelia Gas Pipeline Hydrogen Conversion Project has the potential to be Western Australia's next big renewable hydrogen first. The study will help in re-purposing some of our existing gas pipeline infrastructure for use in future hydrogen transmission.

"The project is a prime example of how funding from the WA Government is helping to ensure that the State reaches its potential and becomes a renewable hydrogen powerhouse.

"The McGowan Government is investing in projects across the renewable hydrogen supply chain to support Western Australia's emergence as a significant producer, exporter and user of the clean energy source."

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

"The results from APA's pressurised hydrogen testing on the Parmelia Gas Pipeline is great news for the State's renewable hydrogen industry and our transition to a sustainable, net zero economy.

"Western Australia has a vast gas pipeline network. Hydrogen blending into natural gas networks to support decarbonisation is a strategic focus area for the WA Government.

"Progress continues to be made on a Renewable Hydrogen Target for Western Australia, which will aim to drive local demand and assist emerging hydrogen production projects."

State Development Minister's office - 6552 6500

Mines and Petroleum Minister's office - 6552 6700