Raising the Bar: Windlab’s Next Chapter in Renewable Energy

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Nathan Blundell, Chief Development Officer at Windlab. Together, they explore how one of Australia’s leading renewable energy developers is raising the bar for wind and hybrid projects nationwide. They discuss Windlab’s journey from CSIRO spin-out to a fully integrated developer, the realities of project timelines and approvals, best-practice community engagement, biodiversity net gain, grid connection challenges, and two major Queensland projects set to shape the next phase of Australia’s clean-energy transition.Episode topics & timestamps00:00 - Welcome: How Windlab began, its CSIRO origins, and the evolution of wind development in Australia02:05 - The integrated model: From mapping wind to delivering and operating full-scale renewable projects05:10 - Development lifecycle: Why five to ten years is realistic and how early community engagement reduces risk08:30 - Data and bankability: From LiDAR and met masts to ensuring project certainty11:10 - Community engagement: Listening before telling, regional focus, and building trust early16:05 - Common community concerns: Managing change, benefits, and consultation fatigue19:40 - Industry reputation: Why one poor project can tarnish the whole sector. Windlab’s focus on raising the bar.22:20 - Approvals and the EPBC process: Reform, complexity, and the need for certainty26:50 - Biodiversity net gain: Practical examples from Windlab’s Gawara Baya project in North Queensland30:00 - Site selection: Wind profile, demand centres, grid constraints, and coexistence with agriculture33:15 – Technology improvements and turbine scale: 6-8MW turbines, 150m hub heights, and the limits of logistics37:10 - Construction logistics: Workforce, site access, and the legacy benefits of upgraded infrastructure40:00 - Rising costs: Global pressures, local solutions, and the power of competitive procurement44:00 - Grid innovation: Turning connection risk into advantage with in-house grid engineering48:10 - Project pipeline: Gawara Baya and Bungaban projects —Queensland’s next major renewable builds52:00 - Policy reform: Implementing EPBC changes and “finding a way to do the good things that we must do”55:00 - The decade ahead: Delivery, scale, and getting match-fit for the 2030s57:30 - Follow Windlab: Staying informed via LinkedIn, project websites, and newslettersGuest bioNathan Blundell is the Chief Development Officer at Windlab, leading a $30 billion portfolio and 20 GW development pipeline across Australia. Since joining in 2021, Nathan has overseen some of the nation’s most significant renewable energy projects, including the North Queensland Super Hub, Bungaban Wind, which secured Australia’s largest renewable PPA and Gawara Baya, the first project in the country designed around a biodiversity net-gain strategy. With over 20 years in the global energy sector, Nathan brings deep industry insight and a strong commitment to doing renewables the right way - delivering projects that respect Country, support communities, and protect the planet.LinksWindlab: windlab.comNathan Blundell (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/nathan-blundell-b1601142Windlab (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/windlab

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Michael van Baarle, Executive Chairman & Co-founder of ABEL Energy. Together they unpack green methanol’s role in decarbonising heavy transport, covering the Bell Bay project, sustainable carbon sourcing, hydrogen, electrolyser choices, shipping demand and bunkering, project scale-up, and the policy and investment steps on the road to 2029/30.Episode topics & timestamps00:00 - Welcome: Why methanol belongs in the clean-fuels toolkit; episode overview.02:10 - Methanol 101: CH₃OH, its uses, and why being a liquid matters for storage, handling, and retrofits.06:05 - Shipping’s 3% problem: Clean combustion benefits, particularly near ports; the path from emissions control zones to green fuels.10:00 - Carbon sources at scale: Biomass today, atmospheric CO₂ tomorrow—and the sustainability guardrails.14:25 - Bell Bay “stack” of advantages: Green grid, plantation residues, deep-water berth, workforce, and power connection.18:40 - Project scale: Why ABEL Energy sized Bell Bay to ~360,000 tpa—and how scale drives cost down.23:15 - Global demand signals: New methanol-capable ships, bunkering hubs like Singapore, and meeting EU maritime rules.28:05 - Technology choices: Bankability of tech, electrolyser selection, gasification.33:20 - Water & utilities: Cooling vs. electrolysis demand; options for sourcing and treatment on site.36:10 - Townsville pathway: “Reverse battery” flexibility, partnering with renewables, and behind-the-meter models.41:00 - Policy & economics: Hydrogen production incentives, timelines to FID/operations, and why timing matters.46:00 - Road to 2029/30: Funding, FEED readiness, and de-risking first-of-a-kind at Australian scale.50:15 - What’s next: How listeners can follow ABEL Energy and help champion a new export industry.Guest bioMichael van Baarle is the Executive Chairman & Co-founder of ABEL Energy, an Australian industrial project developer focused on producing green methanol using green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources. With nearly two decades across energy and infrastructure in Australia and the U.S., including methanol and DME, Michael co-founded ABEL Energy to catalyse a domestic green-methanol industry and position Australia as a regional supplier for clean shipping fuels and low-carbon chemicals.LinksABEL Energy: abelenergy.com.auMichael van Baarle (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/michael-van-baarle-21994022/ABEL Energy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/abelenergy/

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Hannah Monaghan, Boeing’s Australia Lead for Sustainability Reporting & Governance. Together they unpack aviation’s decarbonisation pathway, discussing everything from Hydrogen, SAF, Electric flight, aircraft design and operational efficiencies.Hannah’s Highlights:1:05 - Boeing in Australia & NZ: 98+ years, ~4,500 people, Melbourne composites, RAAF sustainment3:50 - Why decarbonise aviation: ~2% of emissions today, APAC demand set to grow6:15 - Boeing’s pillars: fleet renewal, advanced tech, operational efficiency, renewable energy, market measures9:40 - Aircraft lifecycles (30–40 yrs) and retrofits: winglets, 787 curved wings, 777X folding tips13:20 - Certification reality: safety testing - why it takes time15:30 - Ops efficiency wins: smarter arrivals, single-engine taxi, collaboration with airports & ATC18:10 – Carbon offsets to removals: CORSIA basics, first ocean-based removals MOU; green hydrogen by-product21:05 - SAF 101: drop-in fuel, HEFA pathway, feedstocks (UCO, ag residues, MSW)24:30 - Where SAF is today: blends to 50% certified across Boeing fleet; pathway to 100%27:10 - Supply, policy & refineries: keeping feedstock onshore; AU & NZ outlooks31:00 - Turnarounds & infrastructure: why SAF fits current refuelling ops; blending mandates33:40 - Electric & hydrogen: use-cases, grid “greenness”, long-haul constraints for Australia38:10 - Cascade 2.0: open modelling to test SAF, hydrogen, electric and grid scenarios41:20 - Materials & circularity: composites, cabin “one-percenters” (lightweight recycled carpets)44:30 - Barriers & opportunities: stackable incentives, global harmonisation, jobs & fuel security48:10 - Final take: now is the moment - coordination across industry, government and communitiesAbout HannahHannah Monaghan is the Australia Lead for Sustainability Reporting & Governance within Boeing’s Global Enterprise Sustainability team (since Jan 2024). She joined Boeing in 2022 in Government Affairs after roles advising Australia’s Federal Minister for the Environment and the NSW Minister for Family & Community Services. An organic chemist by training, Hannah holds a Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry from UTS.Connect with Hannah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-monaghan-392249133/LinksBoeing - https://www.boeing.com/Boeing on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boeing/Boeing on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/boeing/Cascade (aviation decarbonisation modelling) - https://cascade.boeing.com/Australia Aviation Outlook (Cascade) - https://cascade.boeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Australia-Aviation-Outlook.pdfBoeing Hydrogen Factsheet - https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/principles/sustainability/assets/pdf/Hydrogen_Factsheet.pdfCSIRO–Boeing SAF Roadmap (2023) - https://www.boeing.com.au/news/2023/csiro-boeing-roadmap-charts-flight-path-to-sustainable-skiesSAF State of Play (2024 update) - https://www.boeing.com.au/content/dam/boeing/en-au/pdf/boeing-and-csiro-saf-state-of-play-report-2024.pdfWisk (autonomous electric air taxi) - https://wisk.aero/Produced by The Podcast Boss

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Andy Marsland sits down with Neil McDonald, CEO of Gold Hydrogen, to unpack an exciting investment announcement and explore the future of natural hydrogen and helium in Australia. From historical discoveries that have led to cutting-edge drilling programs, this conversation dives deep into the potential of hydrogen as a clean, cost-effective energy source, and how helium (including the rare helium-3) could revolutionise industries from quantum computing to power generation and transportation.Neil McDonald is co-founder and Managing Director of Gold Hydrogen, one of the first companies in the world to confirm that high natural hydrogen deposits exist underground. Gold Hydrogen is now leading the race to commercialise hydrogen, a near carbon-zero energy source which would impact worldwide zero emissions targets.Gold Hydrogen is also progressing helium opportunities, as the hydrogen tests also produced strong helium showings, one of the first major finds in a non-petroleum area.Neil has more than 20 years of extensive commercial experience in the energy and minerals sectors and has helped commercialise some of Australia’s largest exploration projects for private and public companies. What You’ll LearnThe origins of Gold Hydrogen and its pioneering work in natural hydrogen explorationWhy South Australia’s geology is uniquely suited for hydrogen and helium extractionThe significance of helium-3 and its astronomical valueHow natural hydrogen compares to green hydrogen in terms of cost, carbon footprint, and scalabilityInsights into Gold Hydrogen’s strategic partnerships with Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and ENEOS Xplora The roadmap to commercial production and the role of infrastructure in scaling operationsKey TakeawaysNatural hydrogen could be produced for under $1/kg, making it significantly cheaper than manmade alternativesGold Hydrogen has confirmed helium purity levels of 36.9%, the highest ever reported globallyHelium-3, valued at $15 million/kg, has been found in elevated levels in their wellsThe company’s exploration acreage spans 78,000+ square kilometres, with potentially enough hydrogen to power South Australia for 40+ years Resources & Linkswww.goldhydrogen.com.auGold Hydrogen Investor HubGold Hydrogen on LinkedInPress Release: Strategic Investment AnnouncementIf you’re as excited about the future of clean energy as we are, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information or to connect with Gold Hydrogen, check out the links above. 

Discussions of Green Iron, Green Ammonia and Dual-fuel heavy transportStephen Archer: Stephen Archer is the CEO of Warradarge Energy, a company leading the development of renewable hydrogen projects in Western Australia. Warradarge’s portfolio of projects covers diesel displacement, green iron, and green ammonia offtake markets. The company focuses on strong renewable resources and addressable offtake markets as a strategic focus. Stephen has spent over a decade in renewable energy and hydrogen project development, financing and execution. Most recently serving as WA State Manager for BP’s renewable energy division – where he developed over 2.6GW of grid-connected Solar, Wind and Battery projects, including Australia’s largest single-stage solar farm, and the renewable generation assets attached to some of the largest green hydrogen projects currently in development. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Andy Marsland speaks with Stephen Archer, CEO of Warradarge Energy, about the company’s innovative approach to renewable hydrogen projects in Western Australia. They explore Warradarge’s three major initiatives: green hydrogen production, dual-fuel trucking technology, and green iron manufacturing. The conversation highlights the importance of pragmatic, scalable solutions in Australia’s energy transition.­­­Topics & Highlights1. Warradarge’s Mission and StrategyDeveloper of hydrogen projects in WA’s Midwest region.Focus on upstream and downstream market alignment.Three active projects: hydrogen production, dual-fuel logistics, and green iron.2. Green Hydrogen Production25 MW electrolyzer connected behind-the-meter to a 300 MW wind farm.Utilizes curtailed energy for hydrogen production.Targeting diesel displacement with identified offtake customers.3. Dual-Fuel Trucking TechnologyPartnership with Newhaul and Fenix Resources.Retrofitting trucks to blend hydrogen into diesel intake.30–40% diesel displacement; scalable and reversible.Technology developed by HW Richardson in New Zealand.4. Green Iron InitiativeCo-development of a 750–1000 MW hydrogen project for green iron production.Collaboration with Athena and Fenix Resources.Briquetting magnetite concentrate using renewable energy and hydrogen.Potential to offset ~4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.5. Challenges and Policy NeedsDemand-side policy gaps and international collaboration hurdles.Hydrogen’s role as a “Swiss Army knife” – versatile but not universal.Importance of realism and pragmatism in project development.6. Future OutlookStage 1 construction planned for 2026.Stage 2 (green iron) targeted for 2030.Stage 3 (green ammonia export) in early development.Notable Quotes“Every achievement worth talking about was declared impossible before it was done.” – Stephen Archer “Hydrogen will assist, not replace everything.” – Stephen ArcherLinks:https://warradarge.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/company/warradarge-energy/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-archer/ 

How to Produce Green Ammonia for under US$300 per tonne – With Element One Overview: In this episode, Andy Marsland explores the latest advancements in hydrogen and ammonia technologies with Phil Matthews and Troy Philpot. They discuss the potential of hydrogen and ammonia in the green energy sector, focusing on their commercial viability, practical applications, and the innovative technologies developed by Element One which are a potential game changer for the industry. Guests:  Phil Matthews - Managing Director of Element One· Phil is the Managing Director at Element One, where he has dedicated over a decade to advancing the green energy sector. With a specialised focus on hydrogen derivatives, Phil has driven significant research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing renewable energy applications. Phil's academic foundation in Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy Management underpins his commitment to creating sustainable energy solutions for the future. His notable technological contributions include the development of Kraktek, an innovative ammonia reformer and hydrogen purification technology, as well as Ammoniac, a cutting-edge solution for renewable ammonia synthesis.Troy Philpot - Director of Origination at BE Power Group and consultant to Element One· Troy is the Director – Origination for the BE Power group of companies. BE Power have over 18GWh of pumped hydro and energy storage projects, totalling around $6B in construction value, under development across Australia.  He has over a decade of experience in high voltage electrical infrastructure, services and energy transition projects, with the commercial arm of Energy Queensland, as well as a background in commercial strategy, marketing and business development.  Troy supports the Element One team, with insights into commercial viability, potential industry partnerships and helps drive innovation opportunities.Key Topics:1.   Introduction to Element One:·         Phil Matthews introduces Element One, highlighting its focus on hydrogen carriers and the development of innovative technologies, Kraktek and Ammoniac.·         The company's mission is to revolutionise hydrogen storage and transportation.2.   Hydrogen Carriers and Transportation:·         Discussion on the inefficiencies of current hydrogen storage and transportation methods.·         Comparison between liquid hydrogen, compressed hydrogen, and ammonia as hydrogen carriers.·         Phil's views on the volumetric energy density of hydrogen and the advantages of ammonia.3.   Ammonia as a Hydrogen Carrier:·         Benefits of using ammonia for hydrogen storage and transportation include existing infrastructure and higher energy density.·         Comparison of ammonia tankers with liquid hydrogen ships in terms of practicality and energy efficiency.4.   Innovative Technologies:·         Introduction to Kraktek, an ammonia reformer.·         The efficiency and purity of hydrogen produced using Crack Tech achieve 99.9999% purity.·         Development of ammonium hydroxide as a safer alternative for hydrogen storage and transportation.5.   Commercial Viability:·         Troy Philpot discusses the economic advantages of Element One's technologies, emphasising cost-effectiveness and green credentials.·         Discussion of how to produce green ammonia for under USD300 per tonne. ·         The potential for ammonia to be a cheaper and greener alternative to traditional hydrocarbons.6.   Safety and Practicality:·         Addressing the toxicity of ammonia and how Element One's solutions mitigate these concerns.·         The development of ammonium hydroxide as a safer, room-temperature liquid for hydrogen storage and transportation.7.   Future Prospects:·         Potential applications of these technologies in various industries, including transportation, mining, and agriculture.·         The importance of industry partnerships and the role of universities in advancing these technologies.·         The challenges of gaining acceptance and the need for first movers to adopt these technologies.8.   Current Challenges:·         There are difficulties in proving the technology and gaining wider acceptance.·         There is a need for industry players with deeper pockets to adopt and scale these technologies.·         The potential for overseas adoption before widespread use in Australia. Conclusion: Andy, Phil, and Troy wrap up the episode by highlighting the transformative potential of ammonia technologies in achieving a sustainable energy future. They emphasise the need for continued innovation and collaboration to overcome current challenges and make these technologies commercially viable.  Call to Action:· Subscribe to the "Exploring Hydrogen" podcast for more insights into the hydrogen energy sector.· Follow Element One and BE Power Group for updates on their latest projects and advancements.· Check out the University of Newcastle's website for updates on their research and milestones related to hydrogen and ammonia technologies. Links·        https://elementone.com.au/·        https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/hydrogen-compression·        https://www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/featured/partnership-puts-green-ammonia-project-on-fast-track-for-real-world-use·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-sh3energy/·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-p-0084a212/ 

The State of Hydrogen – current opportunities and challenges. A perspective from the forefront of hydrogen research and development – With Central Queensland UniversityEpisode Summary: In this episode, Andy Marsland welcomes Paul Hodgson to discuss the advancements, opportunities, and challenges in the hydrogen energy sector. Paul shares his extensive experience and insights into the role of hydrogen in decarbonising Australia and the world, focusing on its applications in transportation, industry, and society.Paul Hodgson is Executive Director Regional Futures – Energy Transitions, and Director of the Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy at CQUniversity Australia. He is also Chair of Queensland Manufacturing Institute and Vice Chair of the Hydrogen Flight Alliance.Prior to joining CQUniversity earlier last year, Paul was Interim CEO of a bid for a Scaling Green Hydrogen Cooperative Research Centre, developing a 10-year $213m research and training program with the support of 97 partners from 12 countries. Between 2017 and 2021, Paul was General Manager Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (East Coast) for the Australian energy industry growth centre, NERA, where he led the development of a national network of regional hydrogen technology clusters.Key Topics Discussed:Paul Hodgson's Background:Roles at CQUniversity, Queensland Manufacturing Institute, and Hydrogen Flight Alliance.Passion for regional development and sustainable energy.Hydrogen's Role in Decarbonisation:Hydrogen as a tool for hard-to-abate sectors.Importance of decarbonising existing hydrogen production.Current State of Hydrogen Projects:Federal funding for low carbon liquid fuels.Challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen sector.The need for fewer, more collaborative projects.Hydrogen in Industry:Applications in ammonia production, steel industry, and refining fuels.Potential for hydrogen to replace LNG and coal exports.Challenges and Future Directions:Importance of foundational work in safety, regulations, and community engagement.The role of government and industry collaboration.The need for a strong foundation to support commercial viability.Research and Innovation at CQUniversity:Focus on reducing hydrogen production costs.Projects on raw water electrolysis and utilising excess solar energy.Collaboration with international partners and other universities.Global Hydrogen Landscape:Australia's position and potential in the global hydrogen market.Comparison with other countries' progress in hydrogen development.Notable Quotes:"Hydrogen is now being seen much more sensibly as a tool in a toolkit for things that are hard to abate.""The world will do this with or without Australia. There are lots of competitors out there."

Bio: Bob has 20 years of international aerospace experience, the past 8 of which he has worked on the cutting edge of electric aircraft innovation. He supported Heart Aerospace and Ampaire with electric propulsion system engineering development. He was an early member of the magniX leadership team, helping define company strategy, product roadmap, and certification as Head of Aircraft Integration. Earlier in his career, Bob worked at Google X on the Makani project and held lead positions in Saab, Airbus, UTC, Gulfstream, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing aircraft programs. Bob studied aerospace engineering at UNSW and went through Y Combinator in W23. At Stralis, Bob drives company strategy and manages the finances, leads fundraising and customer sales, and supports the engineering team with his extensive knowledge and expertise.Welcome to Exploring Hydrogen, the podcast that delves into the emerging hydrogen energy sector's innovations, opportunities, and challenges. In this episode, host Andy Marsland speaks with Bob Criner, co-founder and CEO of Stralis Aircraft. With over 20 years of aerospace experience, including cutting-edge electric propulsion innovation, Bob shares insights into how hydrogen is revolutionising aviation and what it means for the future of travel. Introduction to Stralis Aircraft Stralis’ mission: Emission-free hydrogen-electric propulsion for aviation. Breakthrough in lightweight, high-temperature PEM fuel cells enabling long-distance hydrogen-powered flights. Progress towards first flight of Stralis’ demonstrator aircraft by late 2025 The Hydrogen Advantage in Aviation Comparison of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, and batteries for decarbonisation. Why hydrogen electric is the cost-efficient solution for flights up to 3,000 km. The potential for reducing ticket prices and enhancing regional connectivity. Technology and Innovation Stralis’ propulsion system: Liquid hydrogen tanks, innovative fuel cells, and electric motors. Efficiency breakthrough Developing robust and scalable systems for future commercial applications. Challenges in Hydrogen Adopt the Hydrogen Flight Alliance, including key partnerships with Brisbane Airport, QUT, and Fortescue. Future Vision for Aviation Scaling hydrogen technology from small regional aircraft to larger fleets. Long-term goal: 50-seat aircraft with 50% lower operating costs, reshaping point-to-point travel. Potential to reignite regional air travel with cheaper, cleaner, and more convenient flights. Hydrogen Beyond Passenger Planes Expanding hydrogen technology into cargo drones for extended range and payload capabilities. Accelerating commercial adoption through real-world applications and partnerships. Insights for Startups in the Hydrogen Sector Lessons learned from Y Combinator and the importance of founder communities. Strategies for navigating the funding landscape and fostering innovation in Australia. Key Quotes: "Hydrogen electric propulsion could redefine how we think about regional air travel—cleaner, cheaper, and more connected." – Bob Criner "With innovations in fuel cell efficiency and lightweight design, we’re unlocking the future of long-range, emission-free aviation." – Bob Criner Resources & Links: Learn more about Stralis Aircraft: Stralis Website Connect with the Hydrogen Flight Alliance: HFA.Aero Stay updated with Stralis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stralis-aircraft/ Join the Journey Thank you for tuning in to Exploring Hydrogen! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends and colleagues. See you next time as we explore more ways hydrogen shapes a sustainable future.  

Exploring HydrogenEp 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting Waste to Energy – With Wildfire EnergyGreg Perkins is a co-founder, MD and CEO of Wildfire EnergyHis is an Innovator with more than 20 years of industry experience in the development of new technologies and projects for the energy and oil & gas industries, with 12 pending and granted patents. He has a passion for cleaner energy, technology, innovation and business strategy and is a former Adjunct Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland, 2021-2024; MIChemE and CPEngGreg’s relevant experience includes:·         Experience across diverse functions from technology, project delivery, construction and operations as well as business development·         Start up and commissioning of a $100 million USD natural gas gasification unit at a refinery complex in Malaysia·         Design, operation and troubleshooting of numerous coal gasification projects.·         Inventor of the moving injection gravity drainage (MIGD) process for heavy oil recovery.Key Points and Discussion HighlightsSustainable Aviation Fuel and SyngasWildfire Energy’s unique process converts various organic materials into energy, which can then be used to make a variety of energy vector including sustainable aviation fuels and syngas, through a patented batch system.Unlike traditional methods, their technology eliminates the need for pre-treatment or sorting of waste, making it more efficient and cost-effective.Localised Waste Management SolutionsGreg highlights projects in Pacific Islands such as Nauru, where waste is often left in open areas, creating severe environmental problems.Wildfire’s system can convert waste into electricity, replacing imported diesel and reducing the environmental impact, while generating about 20% of the islands’ power needs.Adaptable Modular DesignThe technology is modular and scalable to suit communities of different sizes, from small rural towns to larger urban centres.This flexibility supports localised waste management, enabling communities to address their waste issues directly while creating jobs and generating renewable energy.Environmental Impact and Carbon CreditsWildfire’s process achieves net negative carbon emissions.The approach qualifies for Australian carbon credit units, further incentivising the diversion of waste from landfills and supporting broader carbon reduction goals.Global Demand for Renewable Energy SolutionsGreg discusses the growing global interest in hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and methanol as energy sources for industries like aviation and shipping. Methanol, in particular, has significant potential in shipping and as an intermediate chemical for producing carbon-neutral plastics, contributing to a circular economy.Financial Challenges and Market AdoptionFunding remains a key challenge due to the capital-intensive nature of the technology, with many venture capital funds hesitant to invest in such projects. Despite this, Wildfire has secured government grants and international support.Future Outlook and Expansion PlansGreg envisions Wildfire Energy expanding globally, with dozens of operational projects within the next decade.The long-term strategy includes licensing the technology internationally, empowering communities worldwide to manage waste locally while generating renewable energyClosing RemarksAndy and Greg conclude by encouraging listeners to follow Wildfire Energy’s progress via their LinkedIn page and monthly newsletter, where they share updates and insights.Andy invites listeners to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on innovative clean energy solutions and thanks Greg for an enlightening discussion about tackling waste and energy challenges with transformative technology.A link to their website and newsletters is below:Wildfire EnergyNewsletters | wildfire (wildfireenergy.com.au)  

Episode Summary:In this episode of Exploring Hydrogen, host Andy Marsland embarks on an enlightening conversation with Joanna Kay, a leading voice in the renewable hydrogen sector. Joanna serves as the Executive General Manager of the Smart Energy Council and leads Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, advocating for hydrogen as a key to the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy.Joanna offers a comprehensive overview of how hydrogen fits into Australia’s renewable energy landscape, from its potential role in industries like transportation and manufacturing to the challenges of scaling production and adoption. The conversation delves into the critical importance of certification programs for ensuring hydrogen production remains truly green, meeting rigorous environmental standards.Together, they explore Australia's place in the global hydrogen conversation, comparing national efforts to those of international leaders like the European Union, the US, and Japan. Joanna also highlights the role of government incentives and global standards in shaping the future of green hydrogen and explains why ensuring harmonised certification is key for building a sustainable hydrogen economy worldwide.Key Topics Discussed:Introduction to the Smart Energy Council and Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna explains the work of the Smart Energy Council, which has been active in Australia for decades, representing the renewable energy value chain, including solar, batteries, wind, and hydrogen. Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, established in 2018, focuses on both domestic and international hydrogen applications and derivative products like green ammonia and green metals.Hydrogen Certification and Global Standards:Hydrogen can be produced using various methods, not all of which are green. Joanna highlights the importance of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia’s certification program—the only industry-led initiative in Australia—that ensures green hydrogen projects meet the global standard of less than one kilogram of carbon per kilogram of hydrogen. The discussion also explores how different countries define green hydrogen and the challenges of aligning these definitions to promote global trade and cooperation.Comparing Australia’s Hydrogen Standards to Global Leaders:Joanna and Andy discuss how Australia’s standards stack up against global leaders like the European Union and the United States, which have different carbon intensity thresholds for what they define as green hydrogen. They explore the complexities of developing a unified global standard and the opportunities it presents for Australia as an emerging leader in the green hydrogen space.The Role of Government and Public Funding:Joanna provides insights into how government incentives, such as the production tax credits in Australia, are playing a crucial role in supporting the growth of the hydrogen sector. They also explore recent findings from the International Energy Agency, which suggest that with proper public funding, green hydrogen could become the most cost-competitive hydrogen source by 2030, surpassing alternatives like blue hydrogen.Future Vision for Hydrogen in Australia:Joanna outlines the next steps for Australia’s hydrogen industry, including the expansion of green hydrogen into industrial processes, the potential for international trade, and how certification will play a key role in ensuring transparency and environmental accountability. She also shares examples of successfully certified projects, like Bristol Springs and Yarra International, which demonstrate Australia’s capability to deliver green hydrogen.Notable Quotes:“What we're focused on is making sure hydrogen produced in Australia is genuinely green—meaning zero emissions. Blue hydrogen, which relies on carbon capture, may have its place as a transition fuel, but we’re advocating for true decarbonisation.” – Joanna Kay“By 2030, green hydrogen could outcompete all other forms of hydrogen globally if public funding is directed towards supporting its production.” – Joanna KayEpisode Highlights:Deep Dive into Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna details the mission and structure of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, a division of the Smart Energy Council, which has been at the forefront of developing renewable hydrogen initiatives and projects across Australia. With over 200 members involved in hydrogen projects, the organisation plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of hydrogen in Australia.The Importance of Certification in Hydrogen Production:Hydrogen certification ensures that green hydrogen projects meet strict carbon emission standards. Joanna explains the technical challenges of maintaining global consistency in certification and why it is essential for promoting international hydrogen trade and reducing the carbon footprint of industrial processes.Global Comparisons of Hydrogen Standards:Joanna and Andy discuss the variations in hydrogen standards across different countries. For example, the US and EU have different carbon limits per kilogram of hydrogen, which impacts how hydrogen is classified as green. They also explore the potential for global harmonisation of these standards to facilitate international hydrogen markets.Australia’s Role as a Hydrogen Leader:Joanna shares exciting details about Australia's growing influence in the hydrogen space, including key projects that have been certified as green hydrogen and the country's potential to become a significant player in the global green hydrogen market. She also talks about the importance of aligning state and national standards to strengthen Australia’s position.The Future of Green Hydrogen:Joanna discusses the potential for green hydrogen to become the leading source of clean energy globally, driven by advancements in technology, government incentives, and growing demand for decarbonisation. With global targets on the horizon, Australia is well-positioned to lead the charge.Resources Mentioned:Smart Energy Council: https://smartenergy.org.au/ Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia: https://smartenergy.org.au/zero-carbon-hydrogen-australia/ IEA Report – the future of Hydrogen: https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-hydrogen Green Hydrogen Catapult Paper on Emissions accounting https://gh2.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/H2-Emissions-Accounting-White-Paper-Sept%202024-compressed.pdfJoanna’s LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/joanna-kay-057437216ZHCA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/zero-carbon-hydrogen-australia/ Australia’s 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/publications/australias-national-hydrogen-strategy  Joanna’s full bio:Joanna Kay is a highly respected voice in the renewable hydrogen landscape, holding the pos...