The conversation around sustainability energy and the potential of renewables has rapidly grown in 2020. Hydrogen is one energy sector gaining momentum within Australia. Standards Australia recognizes hydrogen’s potential role across industry to help Australia decarbonize, improve fuel security, and create new investment and export opportunities.
A recent report calculated global demand for hydrogen exported from Australia could be almost a million tons by 2030, adding up to AU$11 billion in GDP growth each year until 2050. To assist in the successful implementation of hydrogen across Australia, eight international standards have recently been adopted.
“This is a big step for Australian energy. It’s important the opportunities hydrogen presents are supported by standards, which will help with the safe and effective scale-up of this technology,” says Roland Terry-Lloyd, head of standards development at Standards Australia.
Adoption of international standards for Australia has the potential to not only support the safety of users with guidance on storage, transport, and refueling but could also facilitate international trade enabling Australia to participate in the global hydrogen economy.
Dr. Alan Finkel AO, hydrogen adviser to the Australian government and Australia chief scientist, expressed his support. “I welcome the publication of these hydrogen standards,” says Finkel. “Effective standards are central to the goal of developing a safe and globally competitive Australian hydrogen industry.”
Government interest and investment in hydrogen is growing. Working with international colleagues like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and on international committees gives Australia a voice when developing these standards, which can provide an important foundation and support the responsible and innovative use of this energy source.
“Hydrogen has the potential to transform global energy use and change the way we power transport, homes, and industries and this must be underpinned by relevant and best practice standards,” comments Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council
“Creating a stable and efficient regulatory environment across the hydrogen supply chain is a key element to ensure the industry thrives. The Australian Hydrogen Council has been pleased to provide a key role in Standards Australia’s process and welcomes today’s announcement,” continues Simon.
Supporting the hydrogen implementation is an important step in Standards Australia’s commitment to the ongoing sustainability and safety of Australian communities.
The eight standards adopted and published include the below and more information on these standards are available on the Standards Australia website here:
- AS 16110.1:2020, “Hydrogen generators using fuel processing technologies, Part 1: Safety” (ISO 16110-1:2007, MOD)
- AS ISO 16110.2:2020, “Hydrogen generators using fuel processing technologies, Part 2: Test methods for performance”
- AS ISO 14687:2020, “Hydrogen fuel quality—Product specification”
- AS 22734:2020, “Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis—Industrial, commercial, and residential applications” (ISO 22734:2019, MOD)
- SA TS 19883:2020, “Safety of pressure swing adsorption systems for hydrogen separation and purification” (ISO/TS 19883:2017, MOD)
- AS ISO 16111:2020, “Transportable gas storage devices—Hydrogen absorbed in reversible metal hydride”
- AS ISO 19881:2020, “Gaseous hydrogen—Land vehicle fuel containers”
- AS 19880.3:2020, “Gaseous hydrogen—Fuelling stations, Part 3: Valves” (ISO 19880-3:2018, MOD)