Australia’s APA runs pilot project to convert gas pipeline for hydrogen

The project is expected to cost $3 million and be completed by 2022.

It includes research and testing of materials, development of safe operating guidelines and on site tests.

APA will work with Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre and Wollongong University on engineering research.

During the test APA will work with WA’s Economic Regulation Authority and the WA government to showcase the safety of hydrogen transmission pipelines and support the development of Australian standards.

The section of the pipeline in question supplies the Kwinana industrial precinct in south Perth.

The results of the conversion will help in decision-making for the potential transition of other APA assets to hydrogen-readiness.

Eliza Danby at Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law, said: “If the pilot program is successful, it could impact the future usability of the existing gas pipeline infrastructure throughout Australia.”

The PGP is a 445km transmission lateral pipeline located in west and south-west Western Australia. It is owned and operated by the APA Group.