Things are moving in the new energies space. Emerging technologies and techniques are being tested and employed and existing energy infrastructure is being put to new use supporting the shift to greener energy options. Hydrogen’s potential is being explored in Australia at an unprecedented level.
Fyfe maintains an active involvement in the burgeoning new energies sector. We know that our expertise in energy infrastructure planning and execution puts us in good stead to help our clients before, during and after the transition to newer forms of fuel and energy.
We also know that to stay on top of the curve, we need to continuously broaden our knowledge and develop our technical expertise in the hydrogen and new energies sectors.
NERA
Several Fyfe team members are involved in NERA hydrogen clusters. In the SA cluster, Andrew Warner, our Director and General Manager of Energy and Resources is joined by Tim Reynolds, Director of Commercial Services. And in NERA’s QLD cluster, Fyfe is represented by Clayton Warner, Director and QLD General Manager, and Sebastian Martens, Mechanical Engineer.
Since its inception in 2016, NERA has been a key source of insight into Australia’s new energies potential, and it aims to further develop Australia as a global energy powerhouse. The goal of NERA’s network of hydrogen clusters is to accelerate the development of a viable hydrogen supply chain, and ultimately drive the increased use of hydrogen as an energy source.
Being involved in NERA clusters means access to the latest information and advancements in Australia’s hydrogen industry, while collaborating with cross-sector participants to facilitate the achievement of scale in the technology.
Methane pyrolysis for hydrogen production
Fyfe is involved in the Future Fuels CRC (FFCRC). In conjunction with the Universities of Queensland and Adelaide, Fyfe is supporting essential research into the hydrogen supply chain, specifically, identifying the potential of methane pyrolysis in hydrogen production.
Sam Shepherdson, a Graduate Process Engineer, will serve as an Industry Advisor to the research team while being mentored by Alex Perisa, Fyfe’s Principal Process Engineer. Sam has experience in reactor design and separation processes, and in his final-year research project, Sam’s team were awarded the IChemE Australasian Design Prize for their work on CO2 sequestration at Moomba.
Turning waste into energy
Bioenergy is the result of waste that has been turned into energy. Globally, bioenergy facilities have been in operation in Europe, Asia and the US for more than 10 years. Garbage that would otherwise be destined for landfill is burnt as a feedstock to generate fuel, usually gas or steam, this fuel then powers a turbine that generates electricity. When the output from the garbage is low, natural gas can support the process as a top-up of sorts.
As yet, Australia does not have a fully functioning waste-to-energy plant. However, we are currently working with a client that is examining bioenergy’s potential in Australia and expect to see an increased interest in waste-to-energy soon.
Fyfe is pleased to be involved in these projects, to expand our knowledge and technical skills in the new energies and hydrogen sectors, and to better support our clients. Stay posted for more green energy news soon.
