Exploring Clean Energy

Hosted by Andy Marsland

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Jul 2026

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Join Andy Marsland in Exploring Clean Energy where we uncover the ideas, innovations, and projects powering our sustainable future. You may know us as Exploring Hydrogen, where for 31 episodes we’ve shone a spotlight hydrogen. However, our global challenge of decarbonisation is much bigger than one energy vector. Now, as we continue as The Exploring Clean Energy Podcast, this 2nd season we’re expanding the conversation to include the other stories that are shaping the energy transition of Australia and the world. We hope you enjoy the diversity of thought, and I welcome you so engage with me to help shape the episodes moving forward – so we can bring you the technical experts and projects that you want to hear about and to answer your important questions. Welcome to our energising journey.

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July 16, 2026Episode 3737 min

Hydrogen, AI & the Next Energy Revolution with Intercontinental Energy

Alex Tancock, CEO of InterContinental Energy, joins Andy Marsland to discuss why green hydrogen is entering its next phase beyond the hype. Alex shares how InterContinental Energy has spent more than a decade developing some of the world's largest renewable energy hubs, explains the patented P2(H2)Node™ technology that could significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen production, and explores how hydrogen, green iron, AI data centres and energy security are converging to reshape Australia's industrial future. The conversation covers giga-scale project development, Australia's competitive advantage, sovereign energy, and why optionality may be the key to building the next generation of energy infrastructure. Show Notes & Timestamps 0:00 - Welcome to Exploring Clean Energy Andy introduces the episode and welcomes Alex Tancock, CEO of InterContinental Energy. 0:22 - The vision behind InterContinental Energy Alex explains why the company was founded to develop the world's largest clean energy hubs and why Australia is uniquely positioned to lead. 3:21 - Why scale matters Lessons from the resource sector, the importance of mega-projects, and how the modular P2(H2)Node™ approach makes giga-scale development possible. 6:03 - Hydrogen beyond the hype Why today's market consolidation is a natural evolution, and what separates the projects that will succeed from those that won't. 9:00 - Green iron and Australia's opportunity How the Pilbara could become a global green iron hub powered by renewable hydrogen. 11:07 - Inside the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH) Alex shares the progress, approvals and long-term vision for one of the world's largest renewable energy projects. 14:07 - The P2(H2)Node™ explained How InterContinental Energy's patented technology reduces costs, improves efficiency and could become the blueprint for future hydrogen projects. 19:20 - Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) Why WGEH is being built as a series of modular energy hubs and what it means for Australia's manufacturing future. 22:00 - International demand and AI-powered growth The role of Japan, Korea, AI data centres and energy security in accelerating Australia's clean energy exports. 32:17 - Looking ahead to 2035 Alex outlines the roadmap for AREH and WGEH, the biggest challenges ahead, and his vision for Australia's clean energy future. 34:12 - Rapid-fire questions Hydrogen myths, China's leadership, future energy skills, and why the P2(H2)Node™ may be the industry's most underrated clean energy innovation. 37:07 - Closing reflections Alex shares his final thoughts on Australia's opportunity to become a global clean energy powerhouse. Guest Bio Alexander Tancock Alex Tancock is the Chief Executive Officer of InterContinental Energy, a global leader in giga-scale green hydrogen and renewable energy development. He has been involved in renewable energy for nearly three decades and has spent more than ten years helping position InterContinental Energy at the forefront of large-scale green hydrogen innovation. Under his leadership, the company has developed two of the world's largest renewable energy projects - the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH) and the Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) - while pioneering its patented P2(H2)Node™ systems architecture, designed to significantly improve the economics of giga-scale hydrogen production. Alex is passionate about Australia's opportunity to become a global clean energy powerhouse through green hydrogen, green iron and renewable energy exports, while creating long-term sovereign energy security and industrial growth. Links InterContinental Energy https://intercontinentalenergy.com Alexander Tancock on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-tancock-2aa31a24/ InterContinental Energy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/intercontinental-energy/

December 18, 2025Episode 3633 min

SAF and Sustainable Aviation: Bringing the Regions to the Runway with Jet Zero

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy sits down with Neil Gardner, Executive Manager at Jet Zero Australia, to explore one of the most practical pathways to decarbonising aviation: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Neil breaks down what SAF is, why it’s considered the near-to-medium term solution for long-haul flight, and how policy, mandates, and corporate demand are shaping a fast-scaling global market. The conversation also goes behind the scenes at Jet Zero - covering the Ulysses and Mandala projects, community engagement in regional Queensland, and why “bringing the regions to the runway” is more than a motto - it’s a blueprint for Australia’s clean fuel future. Show Notes & Timestamps 0:00 - Welcome to Exploring Clean Energy Andy introduces the show and today’s focus: clean energy solutions accelerating a sustainable future. 0:16 - Introducing Today’s Guest: Neil Gardner (Jet Zero Australia) Neil’s background and role leading Jet Zero’s growth and SAF project development. 0:32 - What is SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)? Neil explains SAF as a non-fossil jet fuel and the lifecycle emissions reduction potential (around 60% to 85%+). 1:42 - “Drop-in fuel”: why SAF matters right now How SAF works with existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure - no new planes required. 3:11 - SAF vs batteries vs hydrogen for aviation Why batteries are currently too heavy for long-haul; hydrogen storage and infrastructure constraints; why SAF is viewed as the near/medium-term solution. 6:10 - SAF production pathways and “technology agnostic” delivery Neil explains multiple ASTM-approved pathways and why Jet Zero focuses on high “TRL” (readiness) technologies. 7:40 - Alcohol-to-Jet and HEFA pathways explained HEFA: currently the main global SAF pathway (using used cooking oil/tallow/oilseeds) Alcohol-to-Jet: emerging as a key scalable pathway (ethanol → SAF) 9:15 - LanzaJet and the Ulysses project LanzaJet’s commercialisation of Alcohol-to-Jet and Jet Zero’s relationship + licensing approach. 10:40 - Feedstocks: ethanol, sugarcane, corn waste, and future options How different feedstocks support different SAF pathways—and why diversity matters. 12:20 - “There isn’t enough feedstock”: addressing the common critique Neil’s take on market saturation risks for used cooking oil/tallow and the need for new feedstocks. 14:40 - Certification, transparency, and avoiding unintended consequences Why traceability, certification, and supply chain governance are essential for integrity and emissions claims. 16:30 - Book-and-claim + blockchain traceability (in practice) How corporates can track SAF impact across the supply chain and confidently report emissions reductions. 18:50 - Global mandates driving demand (EU, UK, Japan) How blend mandates create demand certainty and unlock investment for capital-intensive SAF projects. 21:10 - Australia’s policy gap and the opportunity ahead Why Australia is behind on mandates, what consultation is underway, and the “second-mover advantage”. 23:10 - Corporate-led momentum: Qantas, the SAF Coalition, and the $200m fund How corporate Scope 3 commitments are pulling SAF into the market before regulation arrives. 25:30 - Why this industry scales fast: growth outlook and demand by 2050 Neil shares the growth trajectory and why this could be one of the fastest fuel transitions globally. 27:20 - What is Jet Zero and why it was created Jet Zero’s purpose, investor support (including Airbus, Qantas, Idemitsu), and focus on bankable, near-term delivery. 28:40 - Funding correction (Queensland Government grant) Neil corrects the Queensland Government grant figure mentioned in the episode. 29:35 - Project 1: Ulysses (Townsville) - Alcohol-to-Jet ~200M litres of ethanol input ~100M litres SAF output ~11M litres renewable diesel output Targeting FID in 2H 2026 and operations by end of 2028 32:20 - Project 2: Mandala (Gladstone) - HEFA Feedstocks include tallow, used cooking oil, and domestic canola, plus exploration of future native crops. 33:39 - Closing reflections SAF as the most practical near-term decarbonisation route for aviation and Australia’s chance to lead. Funding Correction Correction: Queensland Government grant value In the episode, the Queensland Government grant was misstated as $660,000. The correct amount is $760,000. Official announcement: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100955 Guest Bio - Neil Gardner Neil Gardner is the Executive Manager at Jet Zero Australia and was one of the organisation’s first employees, playing a key role in its growth from start-up to an emerging industry leader in sustainable aviation fuels. Neil has 20 years’ experience in the energy industry, leading teams of up to 200 people, and brings deep commercial and strategic expertise across the energy transition. He has held senior roles with Shell across Australasia, spent seven years with Arrow Energy (Shell & CNPC CSG JV) as Commercial Manager and Senior Advisor to the CEO, and is ex-Verbrec (engineering services across APAC). Neil holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Birmingham. Links Jet Zero website: https://jetzero.com.au/ Neil Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-gardner-b223051/ Jet Zero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jet-zero/

December 3, 2025Episode 3546 min

The Practicalities of Decarbonising the Trucking Industry – With Volvo

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy , Andy sits down with Corbin Luther , E-Mobility Solutions Specialist at Volvo Group Australia , to unpack one of the most challenging and exciting frontiers of decarbonisation: heavy vehicles. From electrical infrastructure and driver behaviour to hydrogen fuel cells and renewable diesel, Corbin provides a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at how Volvo is approaching the transition at scale. This conversation moves beyond theory into real-world fleet operations, exploring what is working, what is not, and what the next decade will really look like for Australia’s trucking industry. Show Notes & Timestamps 0:00 - Welcome to Exploring Clean Energy Andy sets the scene for today’s topic: the innovations reshaping freight, logistics, and heavy vehicles. 1:05 - Introducing Today’s Guest: Corbin Luther (Volvo Group Australia) Corbin outlines Volvo’s structure globally and in Australia, including the role of Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks in local manufacturing. 3:45 - How Big is Volvo in the EV Trucking Space? Discussion of global volumes, Australian production, and the rapid rise to 117 electric trucks now on the road , with more than 50 delivered this year. 6:10 - What Makes E-Mobility Technically Challenging in Australia? Corbin breaks down: The constraints of aging electrical infrastructure Long distances vs short-haul suitability Market misconceptions about what electric trucks are designed for Fitting technology to specific applications 11:40 - Driver Behaviour: The Make-or-Break Variable How telematics, regen braking, and driving style impact EV range, and why driver training is essential for fleets moving to electric. 16:30 - From Resistance to Enthusiasm: Changing Attitudes to EV Trucks Real-world stories of sceptical drivers who change their minds within minutes of getting behind the wheel. 19:30 - Charging Infrastructure: The Volvo Approach Volvo’s advisory role, partnerships with charging companies, and why they stay out of owning physical charging hubs. 23:05 - Decarbonising Heavy Transport: Electric, Hydrogen and Renewable Diesel (HVO) A detailed breakdown of: Hydrogen fuel-cell trucks under development in Europe How HVO works and why it is a promising transition fuel European advancements and realistic timelines for change 30:50 - Fit for Purpose: Why There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Solution How Volvo assesses a customer’s fleet, routes, power costs and operational realities before recommending EV adoption. 37:20 - The Economics: Total Cost of Ownership and the Sweet Spot Why electricity price, kilometres travelled, and utilisation all determine whether an EV truck makes financial sense. 43:00 - Behaviour Change and Second-Mover Advantage How sustainability pressure from customers, supply chains, and even employees is influencing fleet decisions. 48:00 - Government Policy: What’s Helping and What’s Not Corbin discusses axle weight restrictions, the pace of ADR changes, and the role of ARENA-funded projects. 54:10 - Road Wear, Vehicle Design and the realigning misconceptions Findings from Volvo and Austroads showing how tyre footprint and suspension design can reduce pavement impact. 58:40 - Operational Optimisation: The ‘Hidden’ Decarbonisation Tool Route planning, idle time, fleet telematics, and the small daily decisions that reduce fuel and emissions. 1:04:30 - Battery Performance, Temperature Impacts and Real-World Range Modelling How Volvo forecasts range using topography, historic traffic data, temperature profiles and aerodynamics. 1:10:10 - Looking Ahead: What the Next Decade Will Bring Predictions on: Uptake of electric trucks Hydrogen’s likely role Growth of HVO How often EV trucks will be seen on Australian roads 1:15:00 - Final Thoughts from Corbin Why the transition is gaining momentum, and why fit-for-purpose solutions will be critical. Guest Bio - Corbin Luther Corbin Luther is the E-Mobility Solutions Specialist at Volvo Group Australia , where he works directly with fleets, operators, and Volvo’s dealer network to support the transition to electric trucks. With a background in transport operations and fleet management, Corbin combines technical insight with deep knowledge of real-world trucking applications, ensuring customers put the right truck on the right job and adopt EVs in a way that is operationally sound, commercially sensible, and driver-friendly. Website: volvotrucks.com.au Corbin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbin-luther-2598651b7/ Volvo Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volvo-group/

November 12, 2025Episode 3434 min

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 & timestamps 00:00 - Welcome: How Windlab began, its CSIRO origins, and the evolution of wind development in Australia 02:05 - The integrated model: From mapping wind to delivering and operating full-scale renewable projects 05:10 - Development lifecycle: Why five to ten years is realistic and how early community engagement reduces risk 08:30 - Data and bankability: From LiDAR and met masts to ensuring project certainty 11:10 - Community engagement: Listening before telling, regional focus, and building trust early 16:05 - Common community concerns: Managing change, benefits, and consultation fatigue 19:40 - 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 certainty 26:50 - Biodiversity net gain: Practical examples from Windlab’s Gawara Baya project in North Queensland 30:00 - Site selection: Wind profile, demand centres, grid constraints, and coexistence with agriculture 33:15 – Technology improvements and turbine scale: 6-8MW turbines, 150m hub heights, and the limits of logistics 37:10 - Construction logistics: Workforce, site access, and the legacy benefits of upgraded infrastructure 40:00 - Rising costs: Global pressures, local solutions, and the power of competitive procurement 44:00 - Grid innovation: Turning connection risk into advantage with in-house grid engineering 48:10 - Project pipeline: Gawara Baya and Bungaban projects —Queensland’s next major renewable builds 52:00 - 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 2030s 57:30 - Follow Windlab: Staying informed via LinkedIn, project websites, and newsletters Guest bio Nathan 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. Links Windlab: windlab.com Nathan Blundell (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/nathan-blundell-b1601142 Windlab (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/windlab

October 23, 2025Episode 3344 min

Green Methanol - the emergence of a new Australian industry with ABEL Energy.

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 & timestamps 00:00 - 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 bio Michael 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. Links ABEL Energy: abelenergy.com.au Michael van Baarle (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/michael-van-baarle-21994022/ ABEL Energy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/abelenergy/

October 9, 2025Episode 3237 min

Decarbonising Aerospace; Considerations about Hydrogen, SAF…and autonomous electric air taxis! With Boeing

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 sustainment 3:50 - Why decarbonise aviation: ~2% of emissions today, APAC demand set to grow 6:15 - Boeing’s pillars: fleet renewal, advanced tech, operational efficiency, renewable energy, market measures 9:40 - Aircraft lifecycles (30–40 yrs) and retrofits: winglets, 787 curved wings, 777X folding tips 13:20 - Certification reality: safety testing - why it takes time 15:30 - Ops efficiency wins: smarter arrivals, single-engine taxi, collaboration with airports & ATC 18:10 – Carbon offsets to removals: CORSIA basics, first ocean-based removals MOU; green hydrogen by-product 21:05 - 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 outlooks 31:00 - Turnarounds & infrastructure: why SAF fits current refuelling ops; blending mandates 33:40 - Electric & hydrogen: use-cases, grid “greenness”, long-haul constraints for Australia 38:10 - Cascade 2.0: open modelling to test SAF, hydrogen, electric and grid scenarios 41:20 - Materials & circularity: composites, cabin “one-percenters” (lightweight recycled carpets) 44:30 - Barriers & opportunities: stackable incentives, global harmonisation, jobs & fuel security 48:10 - Final take: now is the moment - coordination across industry, government and communities About Hannah Hannah 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/ Links Boeing - 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.pdf Boeing Hydrogen Factsheet - https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/principles/sustainability/assets/pdf/Hydrogen_Factsheet.pdf CSIRO–Boeing SAF Roadmap (2023) - https://www.boeing.com.au/news/2023/csiro-boeing-roadmap-charts-flight-path-to-sustainable-skies SAF 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.pdf Wisk (autonomous electric air taxi) - https://wisk.aero/ Produced by The Podcast Boss

July 28, 2025Episode 3133 min

Gold Rush: Australia's Clean Energy Underground. With Gold Hydrogen

Episode Overview In 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 Learn The origins of Gold Hydrogen and its pioneering work in natural hydrogen exploration Why South Australia’s geology is uniquely suited for hydrogen and helium extraction The significance of helium-3 and its astronomical value How natural hydrogen compares to green hydrogen in terms of cost, carbon footprint, and scalability Insights 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 operations Key Takeaways Natural hydrogen could be produced for under $1/kg , making it significantly cheaper than manmade alternatives Gold Hydrogen has confirmed helium purity levels of 36.9% , the highest ever reported globally Helium-3, valued at $15 million/kg , has been found in elevated levels in their wells The company’s exploration acreage spans 78,000+ square kilometres , with potentially enough hydrogen to power South Australia for 40+ years Resources & Links www.goldhydrogen.com.au Gold Hydrogen Investor Hub Gold Hydrogen on LinkedIn Press Release: Strategic Investment Announcement If 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.

July 14, 2025Episode 3037 min

A pragmatic approach to Hydrogen scale-up. With Warradarge Energy

Discussions of Green Iron, Green Ammonia and Dual-fuel heavy transport Stephen 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 Summary In 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 & Highlights 1. Warradarge’s Mission and Strategy Developer 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 Production 25 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 Technology Partnership 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 Initiative Co-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 Needs Demand-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 Outlook Stage 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 Archer Links: https://warradarge.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/warradarge-energy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-archer/

April 22, 2025Episode 2949 min

How to Produce Green Ammonia for Under US$300 Per Tonne – with Element One

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/

April 4, 2025Episode 2831 min

The State of Hydrogen – current opportunities and challenges. A perspective from the forefront of hydrogen research and development – With Central Queensland University

The State of Hydrogen – current opportunities and challenges. A perspective from the forefront of hydrogen research and development – With Central Queensland University Episode 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."