ARENA funds Hadean Energy hydrogen pilot for steelmaking

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has awarded $15 million to Hadean Energy to fund a $30 million pilot hydrogen plant in Victoria. The project aims to test Australian-developed technology designed to lower the cost of green hydrogen production.

Hadean Energy estimates its technology can produce hydrogen using approximately 30% less electricity than conventional electrolysers. The pilot plant, located at a BOC site in Hastings, is expected to produce up to 7 kg of hydrogen per hour. This output is intended to supply roughly 85% of the hydrogen required for an annealing process in steel manufacturing.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller stated that reducing electricity consumption is critical to making green hydrogen more affordable for industries that are difficult to electrify, such as steelmaking and aviation. If successful, the technology could improve the economics of hydrogen production and support the development of low-emissions synthetic fuels.