Exploring Hydrogen

By: Andy Marsland
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  • Summary

  • Join Andy Marsland in exploring Hydrogen Energy where you will learn about the exciting advancements, opportunities and challenges of this nascent energy sector. We delve into how hydrogen can contribute to the decarbonisation of Australia and the world, and investigate what it is going to take for its adoption into transportation, industry and society.
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Episodes
  • An Australian perspective on emission free air travel- with Stralis Aircraft

    An Australian perspective on emission free air travel- with Stralis Aircraft
    Dec 6 2024

    Bio: Bob has 20 years of international aerospace experience, the past 8 of which he has worked on the cutting edge of electric aircraft innovation. He supported Heart Aerospace and Ampaire with electric propulsion system engineering development. He was an early member of the magniX leadership team, helping define company strategy, product roadmap, and certification as Head of Aircraft Integration. Earlier in his career, Bob worked at Google X on the Makani project and held lead positions in Saab, Airbus, UTC, Gulfstream, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing aircraft programs. Bob studied aerospace engineering at UNSW and went through Y Combinator in W23. At Stralis, Bob drives company strategy and manages the finances, leads fundraising and customer sales, and supports the engineering team with his extensive knowledge and expertise.


    Welcome to Exploring Hydrogen, the podcast that delves into the emerging hydrogen energy sector's innovations, opportunities, and challenges. In this episode, host Andy Marsland speaks with Bob Criner, co-founder and CEO of Stralis Aircraft. With over 20 years of aerospace experience, including cutting-edge electric propulsion innovation, Bob shares insights into how hydrogen is revolutionising aviation and what it means for the future of travel.

    Introduction to Stralis Aircraft

    • Stralis’ mission: Emission-free hydrogen-electric propulsion for aviation.
    • Breakthrough in lightweight, high-temperature PEM fuel cells enabling long-distance hydrogen-powered flights.
    • Progress towards first flight of Stralis’ demonstrator aircraft by late 2025


    The Hydrogen Advantage in Aviation

    • Comparison of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, and batteries for decarbonisation.
    • Why hydrogen electric is the cost-efficient solution for flights up to 3,000 km.
    • The potential for reducing ticket prices and enhancing regional connectivity.


    Technology and Innovation

    • Stralis’ propulsion system: Liquid hydrogen tanks, innovative fuel cells, and electric motors.
    • Efficiency breakthrough
    • Developing robust and scalable systems for future commercial applications.

    Challenges in Hydrogen Adopt

    the Hydrogen Flight Alliance, including key partnerships with Brisbane Airport, QUT, and Fortescue.


    Future Vision for Aviation

    • Scaling hydrogen technology from small regional aircraft to larger fleets.
    • Long-term goal: 50-seat aircraft with 50% lower operating costs, reshaping point-to-point travel.
    • Potential to reignite regional air travel with cheaper, cleaner, and more convenient flights.


    Hydrogen Beyond Passenger Planes

    • Expanding hydrogen technology into cargo drones for extended range and payload capabilities.
    • Accelerating commercial adoption through real-world applications and partnerships.


    Insights for Startups in the Hydrogen Sector

    • Lessons learned from Y Combinator and the importance of founder communities.
    • Strategies for navigating the funding landscape and fostering innovation in Australia.

    Key Quotes:

    "Hydrogen electric propulsion could redefine how we think about regional air travel—cleaner, cheaper, and more connected." – Bob Criner
    "With innovations in fuel cell efficiency and lightweight design, we’re unlocking the future of long-range, emission-free aviation." – Bob Criner

    Resources & Links:

    • Learn more about Stralis Aircraft: Stralis Website
    • Connect with the Hydrogen Flight Alliance: HFA.Aero
    • Stay updated with Stralis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stralis-aircraft/


    Join the Journey
    Thank you for tuning in to Exploring Hydrogen! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends and colleagues. See you next time as we explore more ways hydrogen shapes a sustainable future.

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    30 mins
  • Ep 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting waste to Energy – With Wildfire Energy

    Ep 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting waste to Energy – With Wildfire Energy
    Nov 18 2024
    Exploring HydrogenEp 26 – The ‘Rubbish’ (!) Episode. Converting Waste to Energy – With Wildfire EnergyGreg Perkins is a co-founder, MD and CEO of Wildfire EnergyHis is an Innovator with more than 20 years of industry experience in the development of new technologies and projects for the energy and oil & gas industries, with 12 pending and granted patents. He has a passion for cleaner energy, technology, innovation and business strategy and is a former Adjunct Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland, 2021-2024; MIChemE and CPEngGreg’s relevant experience includes:· Experience across diverse functions from technology, project delivery, construction and operations as well as business development· Start up and commissioning of a $100 million USD natural gas gasification unit at a refinery complex in Malaysia· Design, operation and troubleshooting of numerous coal gasification projects.· Inventor of the moving injection gravity drainage (MIGD) process for heavy oil recovery.Key Points and Discussion HighlightsSustainable Aviation Fuel and SyngasWildfire Energy’s unique process converts various organic materials into energy, which can then be used to make a variety of energy vector including sustainable aviation fuels and syngas, through a patented batch system.Unlike traditional methods, their technology eliminates the need for pre-treatment or sorting of waste, making it more efficient and cost-effective.Localised Waste Management SolutionsGreg highlights projects in Pacific Islands such as Nauru, where waste is often left in open areas, creating severe environmental problems.Wildfire’s system can convert waste into electricity, replacing imported diesel and reducing the environmental impact, while generating about 20% of the islands’ power needs.Adaptable Modular DesignThe technology is modular and scalable to suit communities of different sizes, from small rural towns to larger urban centres.This flexibility supports localised waste management, enabling communities to address their waste issues directly while creating jobs and generating renewable energy.Environmental Impact and Carbon CreditsWildfire’s process achieves net negative carbon emissions.The approach qualifies for Australian carbon credit units, further incentivising the diversion of waste from landfills and supporting broader carbon reduction goals.Global Demand for Renewable Energy SolutionsGreg discusses the growing global interest in hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and methanol as energy sources for industries like aviation and shipping. Methanol, in particular, has significant potential in shipping and as an intermediate chemical for producing carbon-neutral plastics, contributing to a circular economy.Financial Challenges and Market AdoptionFunding remains a key challenge due to the capital-intensive nature of the technology, with many venture capital funds hesitant to invest in such projects. Despite this, Wildfire has secured government grants and international support.Future Outlook and Expansion PlansGreg envisions Wildfire Energy expanding globally, with dozens of operational projects within the next decade.The long-term strategy includes licensing the technology internationally, empowering communities worldwide to manage waste locally while generating renewable energyClosing RemarksAndy and Greg conclude by encouraging listeners to follow Wildfire Energy’s progress via their LinkedIn page and monthly newsletter, where they share updates and insights.Andy invites listeners to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on innovative clean energy solutions and thanks Greg for an enlightening discussion about tackling waste and energy challenges with transformative technology.A link to their website and newsletters is below:Wildfire EnergyNewsletters | wildfire (wildfireenergy.com.au)
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    34 mins
  • What is Australia’s Play for Hydrogen? – with SEC / Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia

    What is Australia’s Play for Hydrogen? – with SEC / Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia
    Oct 14 2024
    Episode Summary:In this episode of Exploring Hydrogen, host Andy Marsland embarks on an enlightening conversation with Joanna Kay, a leading voice in the renewable hydrogen sector. Joanna serves as the Executive General Manager of the Smart Energy Council and leads Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, advocating for hydrogen as a key to the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy.Joanna offers a comprehensive overview of how hydrogen fits into Australia’s renewable energy landscape, from its potential role in industries like transportation and manufacturing to the challenges of scaling production and adoption. The conversation delves into the critical importance of certification programs for ensuring hydrogen production remains truly green, meeting rigorous environmental standards.Together, they explore Australia's place in the global hydrogen conversation, comparing national efforts to those of international leaders like the European Union, the US, and Japan. Joanna also highlights the role of government incentives and global standards in shaping the future of green hydrogen and explains why ensuring harmonised certification is key for building a sustainable hydrogen economy worldwide.Key Topics Discussed:Introduction to the Smart Energy Council and Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna explains the work of the Smart Energy Council, which has been active in Australia for decades, representing the renewable energy value chain, including solar, batteries, wind, and hydrogen. Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, established in 2018, focuses on both domestic and international hydrogen applications and derivative products like green ammonia and green metals.Hydrogen Certification and Global Standards:Hydrogen can be produced using various methods, not all of which are green. Joanna highlights the importance of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia’s certification program—the only industry-led initiative in Australia—that ensures green hydrogen projects meet the global standard of less than one kilogram of carbon per kilogram of hydrogen. The discussion also explores how different countries define green hydrogen and the challenges of aligning these definitions to promote global trade and cooperation.Comparing Australia’s Hydrogen Standards to Global Leaders:Joanna and Andy discuss how Australia’s standards stack up against global leaders like the European Union and the United States, which have different carbon intensity thresholds for what they define as green hydrogen. They explore the complexities of developing a unified global standard and the opportunities it presents for Australia as an emerging leader in the green hydrogen space.The Role of Government and Public Funding:Joanna provides insights into how government incentives, such as the production tax credits in Australia, are playing a crucial role in supporting the growth of the hydrogen sector. They also explore recent findings from the International Energy Agency, which suggest that with proper public funding, green hydrogen could become the most cost-competitive hydrogen source by 2030, surpassing alternatives like blue hydrogen.Future Vision for Hydrogen in Australia:Joanna outlines the next steps for Australia’s hydrogen industry, including the expansion of green hydrogen into industrial processes, the potential for international trade, and how certification will play a key role in ensuring transparency and environmental accountability. She also shares examples of successfully certified projects, like Bristol Springs and Yarra International, which demonstrate Australia’s capability to deliver green hydrogen.Notable Quotes:“What we're focused on is making sure hydrogen produced in Australia is genuinely green—meaning zero emissions. Blue hydrogen, which relies on carbon capture, may have its place as a transition fuel, but we’re advocating for true decarbonisation.” – Joanna Kay“By 2030, green hydrogen could outcompete all other forms of hydrogen globally if public funding is directed towards supporting its production.” – Joanna KayEpisode Highlights:Deep Dive into Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia:Joanna details the mission and structure of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia, a division of the Smart Energy Council, which has been at the forefront of developing renewable hydrogen initiatives and projects across Australia. With over 200 members involved in hydrogen projects, the organisation plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of hydrogen in Australia.The Importance of Certification in Hydrogen Production:Hydrogen certification ensures that green hydrogen projects meet strict carbon emission standards. Joanna explains the technical challenges of maintaining global consistency in certification and why it is essential for promoting international hydrogen trade and reducing the carbon footprint of industrial processes.Global Comparisons of Hydrogen Standards:Joanna and Andy discuss the variations in hydrogen standards across ...
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    37 mins

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