Powerhouse Energy Group (PHE) has agreed to deploy hydrogen-based projects across Australia, Italy, Switzerland and Hong Kong under an agreement with National Hydrogen.
The initial five-year framework agreement will ensure PHE’s technology and engineering expertise is provided on a project-by-project exclusivity basis to National H2 for the intended project roll out.
National H2 will fund the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for the facilities, which will be undertaken by Engsolve, a wholly owned subsidiary of PHE. The two companies will also work closely on the chosen Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor.
H2 View understands that UK-based PHE will not be required to contribute any capital for these projects, the collaboration will instead be based on a license fee and royalties model.
PHE’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Emmitt, explained the collaboration with National H2 represents several years of work, discussion and negotiation with the Australian company’s chairman, Richard Allen.
This is a major milestone for us, [it] delivers a significant endorsement for our technology and know-how and provides us with both a platform for growth and a potential long-term income stream.
…added the CEO.
Last year (2023), the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) opened consultation on the design of the federal government’s A$2bn ($1.5bn) Hydrogen Headstart programme.
As explained, under the proposal, hydrogen projects will be supported with production credit over a 10-year period.