Solar panels capture Australia’s sunlight to create an electric current. The current is passed through water (H20) to drive electrolysis, a reaction that separates hydrogen (H2) from oxygen (O2). The hydrogen is then stored in a tank, ready for the next step in the process. The oxygen is not needed and is released into the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is then extracted from the air and is combined with the hydrogen (H2) (a process called ‘methanation’). A reaction takes place and the end products are methane (CH4) and water (H2O). The water is recycled to the beginning of the process.
The methane (CH4) produced has the same properties as natural gas, which can now be transported to customers.
The CO2 captured from the air balances the CO2 emitted when the fuel is used making it carbon neutral.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is then extracted from the air and is combined with the hydrogen (H2) (a process called ‘methanation’). A reaction takes place and the end products are methane (CH4) and water (H2O). The water is recycled to the beginning of the process.
The methane (CH4) produced has the same properties as natural gas, which can now be transported to customers.
The CO2 captured from the air balances the CO2 emitted when the fuel is used making it carbon neutral.
Advantages with methane
Proposed project locations in Queensland maximise Australia’s competitive advantages:
- world class solar resource
- abundant low cost flat land
- major gas pipeline systems.
- gas pipelines, LNG liquefaction and shipping to 40 countries
- APA Group as development partner
- work with incumbents
- Compressed natural gas shipping also has potential.
- 33% hydrogen when reformed, versus 17% for ammonia and 6% for methylcyclohexane (MCH) transportation options
- no new infrastructure to build
- cost and speed-to-market advantage.
