Pioneering Clean Energy: HRL's Role in the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Project

The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Project is a pioneering step towards a cleaner energy future. HRL operated and maintained the gasification and hydrogen refining pilot plant at J-Power Latrobe Valley (JPLV) in Victoria, part of the world-first Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Project.

The operation and maintenance of the pilot plant presented many challenges, which HRL managed by strategically dividing the project into several phases. Initially, the focus lay on preparing comprehensive operating and maintenance documentation, policies, risk assessments and safety procedures. Subsequently, the HRL team trained the O & M personnel in verified competencies and ensured a seamless handover from the construction activities to transition to full pilot plant commissioning and integration. Finally, ongoing operation and maintenance became the primary focus to deliver the research outcomes required to assess the commercial viability of the process.

Key aspects of HRL's solution included leveraging our experienced team of pilot plant operators, led by Chris Patterson as the site superintendent, and collaborating closely with stakeholders. They applied their expertise and attention to detail to effectively address the technical complexities and logistical hurdles of the project. They drew on their extensive experience in developing similar pilot and demonstration plants. Additionally, HRL's analytical team played a crucial role in ensuring optimal plant performance by providing comprehensive analysis services.

Despite challenges posed by the global pandemic, including supply chain disruptions, HRL successfully managed the project phases, with the plant producing its first 99.999% hydrogen gas on January 23, 2021. Close collaboration with key stakeholders such as J-Power, AGL Energy Limited, and GHD, among others, further strengthened the project's success.

HRL's meticulous approach and technical expertise led to the successful operation and maintenance of the J-Power Latrobe Valley facility. The project demonstrated the entire hydrogen supply chain, showcasing the technical viability of hydrogen as a clean energy solution. With support from governments and key industry partners, the project contributes to the global effort to transition towards sustainable energy sources. HRL continues to play a pivotal role in supporting clean energy initiatives through its analytical services and technical prowess, furthering the journey towards a cleaner, greener future.

HRL actively supports the global pursuit of a clean energy future, providing technical and advisory support with a large team of engineers and laboratory technicians. The HRL analytical team provided all analytical services for the HESC project. To ensure optimal performance of the processing plant and purification train, it was critical that the feedstock, hydrogen, and all by-products were representatively sampled and analysed on each plant cycle.

HRL provided the following services:

• Design and document sampling devices
• Collection and analysis of samples
• On site support of sample collection of feedstocks, solid products, gases, liquids and water used in or generated by the process
• Fast turn-around of all samples
• Analysis of collected samples to client's specifications and methods, with a target purity for hydrogen gas quality of 99.999%
• Laboratory management of the analytical process and reporting of all data
• Sample management, including protocols for naming each different sample stream and the Chain of Custody process