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.

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges

A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.

Chris Dolman is the Business Development Manager for BOC. He’s been working across a number of areas including hydrogen to biomethane and other Gaseous vectors.

BOC is part of the Linde Group, one of the world's largest industrial gas and engineering companies and it operates in over 100 countries. The company supplies a wide range of gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, which are essential for various industries such as healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.

Globally, Linde plc employs approximately 65,000 people and its operations include production facilities, distribution networks, and extensive research and development activities, making it a critical supplier of industrial gases and engineering solutions worldwide.

● BOC's Role in the Hydrogen Industry

○ Supplying hydrogen globally for over 80 years

○ Operating 170 hydrogen production plants worldwide

○ Transitioning from traditional uses of hydrogen to focusing on hydrogen as an energy vector

● Supply Chain Challenges

○ Impact of COVID-19 on international supply chains

○ Australia’s unique standards and challenges in hydrogen production

○ Difficulties in sourcing specialised equipment like electrolyser stacks and spare parts

● Technical and Engineering Challenges

○ Managing electrolyser "turn-down rates" and balancing plant sizing

○ The complexity of "plug and play" refueler systems

○ Localising skills for hydrogen project engineering and maintenance

● Australia's Hydrogen Projects

○ Insights from the BP-BOC Queensland refuelling project and Toyota Eco Park project

○ Hydrogen buses in Victoria and South Australia as a success story

○ Challenges and cost pressures in hydrogen hub projects, such as the Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub

● Lessons for the Future of Hydrogen

○ Importance of having critical spare parts and skilled local workers

○ The need for collaboration within the hydrogen supply chain

○ Australia’s limitations in the hydrogen truck market due to right-hand drive and specialised truck configurations (e.g., B-doubles)

Key Takeaways:

This episode highlights the challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen energy sector, particularly from an Australian perspective. It emphasises the need for collaboration, innovation, and local skill development to overcome supply chain constraints and technical obstacles. The discussion also underscores the importance of planning for long-term growth in hydrogen projects, from sourcing materials to building local expertise.

Links

● linkedin.com/in/chris-dolman-b2509710

● https://www.boc-limited.com.au/en/index.html

Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges

A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.

Laurent Van Helden is Director of sales and market development with Plug Power in Australia.

Plug Power is a leading provider of hydrogen electrolyser and fuel cell systems. Founded in 1997, New York, the company focuses on developing and commercialising clean energy solutions The company's fuel cell technology is used by major corporations, including Amazon and Walmart, to power their fleets of electric forklifts and other industrial vehicles.

Plug Power's electrolysers are designed to support large-scale hydrogen production for various industries, including transportation, power generation, and industrial applications. The company has made significant investments in expanding its electrolyser manufacturing capabilities to meet the growing global demand for clean hydrogen.

Key Discussion Points:

● PlugPower's Journey: Laurent shares PlugPower’s transition from producing hydrogen fuel cells for electric forklifts to becoming a key player in hydrogen production through the development of electrolysers. Starting with their acquisition of Giner in 2020, PlugPower has scaled up to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen.

● Electrolyser Deployment in Australia:
Laurent explains how PlugPower is delivering one-megawatt electrolyser units to Australia. He details the process of adjusting their European-designed systems to comply with Australian standards, including electrical requirements and hazardous area certifications. This required extensive collaboration with Australian engineers and regulatory bodies.

● Overcoming Standards and Compliance Challenges:
The conversation dives into the differences between European and Australian standards, such as the need to redesign units to meet Australian electrical clearances and hazardous area documentation. PlugPower appointed local experts to ensure compliance with Australian WorkSafe regulations and engaged clients throughout the process.

● Future Outlook:
Laurent reveals that PlugPower’s first electrolyser units in Australia are nearing completion and are set to begin operations within the next few months. With commissioning underway, PlugPower is on track to power Australia's hydrogen projects.

Key Takeaways:

● Collaboration and knowledge sharing are crucial to overcoming challenges in the hydrogen industry.

● Navigating different international standards is a major hurdle in global hydrogen infrastructure development.

● PlugPower’s ongoing projects in Australia are a testament to the growth and potential of the hydrogen sector in decarbonising industry and transportation.

Links

● https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurent-van-helden/

● https://www.plugpower.com/

Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges

A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.

Alistair Wardrope is the Technical Director & Co-Founder of Amarna Energy.

Alistair has been working in the renewable hydrogen industry since 2006, starting his career in ITM-Power, and moving into offshore wind and nuclear generation in the UK. He moved to Australia in 2013 working for Jemena, becoming the technical lead for renewable gases, heading up Jemena’s hydrogen demonstration plant and biomethane injection plant. Along with Andrew Lelliott, they co-founded Amarna in 2019, a specialist renewable energy consultancy, providing engineering and project management to a range of leading hydrogen and cutting-edge renewable technologies. Amarna has offices in Sydney and Brisbane and supports a range of projects in operation, construction, and various stages of development.

Andy is joined by Alistair Wardrope, a seasoned expert with nearly two decades of experience in the hydrogen sector. Alistair shares his expertise on the current state of hydrogen in Australia, particularly focusing on the technical and logistical challenges of importing key equipment such as electrolysers, compressors, and gas storage units.

Throughout the episode, Alistair discusses:

● The immature hydrogen sector in Australia, especially regarding electrolyser technology.

● Common issues faced by hydrogen projects in Australia include compliance delays, installation problems, and quality control.

● The importance of collaboration within the hydrogen community to overcome these challenges.

● The relatively stable supply chain for compressed gas cylinders versus the more problematic areas like electrolysers and compressors.

● Lessons learned from working with hydrogen technologies across different sectors and regions.

Alistair also emphasises the need for patience and collaboration, as these early challenges are typical in any emerging industry. As hydrogen technologies scale up and become more refined, many of these issues will likely diminish over time. He encourages developers in Australia to focus on strengthening local supply chains while relying on proven global technology for core components.

Key Takeaways:

● The hydrogen sector is still in its early stages in Australia, with significant challenges related to the import of electrolyser technology.

● Supply chain issues are common but can be overcome with collaboration and shared industry knowledge.

● Developers should leverage local strengths in manufacturing and assembly to complement global technologies.

● Patience is key- scaling up a new industry always comes with teething pains, but lessons learned today will drive future progress.

Links

linkedin.com/in/alistair-wardrope-82183b24

https://www.amarnaenergy.com/

Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/

This mini-series has been developed off back of some feedback from a few of our listeners who it would be useful and interesting to have more of a discussion from companies that have experience and can share real-life examples of any supply chain and import challenges

A huge shout out to the companies and individuals who were willing to share their learnings in this mini-series and embodying that sense of collaboration with the hydrogen community. So, to Plug Power, BOC, Amarna Energy and ATCO, Thank you.

Russell James is the General Manager of Hydrogen and Future Fuels at ATCO.

Russell has over 20 years’ of experience in energy, including the delivery of small to large-scale energy and utility infrastructure projects. Over the last 5 years, he has played a key role in all ATCO's hydrogen related activities, including the Clean Energy Innovation Hub

ATCO is a global infrastructure and energy company with headquarters in Canada, known for its diversified portfolio including utilities, energy, structures and logistics, and transportation. With operations in over 100 countries, ATCO employs around 6200 people

In Australia, ATCO operates a range of energy and infrastructure businesses, including transmission pipelines.

ATCO’s Journey in the Hydrogen Sector:

● ATCO has been involved in hydrogen for over eight years and launched Australia’s first renewable hydrogen facility in Western Australia about four and a half years ago.

● The Clean Energy Innovation Hub incorporates solar, batteries, and electrolysis, allowing hydrogen blending into the natural gas network.

Challenges in Hydrogen Projects:

● Procurement of Equipment: ATCO had to source electrolysers from Europe and the US, navigating long lead times, shipping complexities, and significant upfront payments. This differs from standard procurement in gas and power divisions.

● Compliance with Australian Standards: With limited local hydrogen standards, ATCO worked closely with safety regulators to ensure compliance, adapting equipment built to European and US standards.

● Setting up Hydrogen Refuelling Stations: ATCO worked with the West Australian Government on the first hydrogen refuelling station, learning valuable lessons that helped streamline future projects.

Operational Challenges:

● Maintenance and Local Support: ATCO worked closely with local companies to establish maintenance and support capabilities for hydrogen equipment, which helped foster the industry’s growth.

● Global Supply Chain Pressures: High demand for hydrogen infrastructure worldwide is causing delays in equipment procurement and project timelines.

Success Stories and Adaptations:

● ATCO overcame COVID-19 restrictions by using video technology to commission equipment remotely, highlighting the team’s adaptability in challenging situations.

Key Takeaways:

● Hydrogen project timelines need to account for unexpected challenges, especially with new technology and suppliers.

● Building strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, and regulators is critical for project success.

● Under-promising and over-delivering is a key strategy for ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the highest safety standards.

Links

https://www.atco.com/en-au.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-james/

Let me know what you think about the mini series. If you like it then we can try feature more companies with their case studies and learnings in future episodes. Please message me with any thoughts and feedback at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymarsland/

Tim Davies is the Project Manager for Ark Energy’s proposed Han-Ho H2 Hub, a major renewable generation, green hydrogen, and ammonia project in North Queensland. With a strong background at Fortescue Future Industries and Origin Energy, Tim has extensive experience across the hydrogen, oil, gas, and energy value chain.

A distinguished engineer and project manager, he is known for his expertise in megaprojects and his broad commercial acumen. Tim is dedicated to advancing the renewable energy industry and bringing innovation to the energy sector.

Overview of Ark Energy and Korea Zinc
Tim discusses Ark Energy's mission to decarbonise Korea Zinc's operations. He explains, "Ark Energy was formed to decarbonise the group, leveraging investments in renewable projects like the MacIntyre Wind Farm and Sun Metals Solar Farm."

MacIntyre Wind Farm and Sun Metals Solar Farm

Development of renewable energy projects and their integration with zinc refinery operations. Tim highlights, "MacIntyre is a one-gigawatt wind farm, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, aimed at local energy use and decarbonisation."

Expansion and Acquisitions

Ark Energy's acquisition of Epuron expanded its renewable energy portfolio to seven gigawatts. Tim states, "With the acquisition of Epuron, we now have a significant pipeline of renewable energy developments along the East Coast of Queensland and New South Wales."

SunHQ Project
Current construction status and challenges faced, including the impact of COVID-19 on project timelines. Tim shares, "SunHQ will be the largest integrated refuelling station in Australia, powering hydrogen trucks with green hydrogen from our solar farm."

Han-Ho Hydrogen Hub
Overview of the project and its current stage. Tim mentions, "We're targeting 1.8 million tonnes per annum of hydrogen production, backed by the development of our Collinsville Green Energy Hub."

Recent Budget Announcements
Analysis of the recent budget's impact on hydrogen projects in Australia. Tim observes, "The production tax incentive signals to our offshore investors that Australia is keen on green hydrogen and is putting money into closing the gap."

Challenges in the Hydrogen Sector
Addressing skill shortages and resource management in Australia. Tim notes, "We need to be mindful of the pressure on local communities and labour markets as we ramp up hydrogen projects."

Korean Contracts for Difference Scheme
Overview of the scheme and its impact on hydrogen projects. Tim explains, "The Korean government is prioritising green hydrogen, and with Australia's hydrogen production tax incentive, green hydrogen is looking favourable."

Tim's Trip to China
Insights from visiting major manufacturers and advancements in electrolyser technology. Tim shares, "China's scale-up for manufacturing hydrogen technology is impressive, but there's still a challenge to meet Australian standards and timelines."

Community Engagement and Social License
Importance of early engagement with local communities and addressing their concerns. Tim emphasises, "Social license isn't given; it's earned. We're working closely with communities to understand and mitigate impacts."

Project Challenges and Strategies
Balancing engineering and commercial aspects to ensure sustainable development. Tim states, "The biggest challenge is aligning all the puzzle pieces, from engineering to commercial agreements, to make these projects viable."

Future Vision for Ark Energy
Goals and expectations for the next decade. Tim envisions, "In ten years, we'd like to see Han-Ho operating, a green corridor between Korea and Australia established, and significant progress towards net zero."

Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Tim encourages collaboration within the hydrogen industry. He concludes, "The more projects we get over the line, the quicker we can bring costs down and transition to green hydrogen. We're proponents, not competitors."

Follow ARK Energy

Website: arkenergy.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72066237