Study proves feasibility of gas to hydrogen pipeline conversion

Laboratory testing conducted by APA, the owner and operator of the Parmelia Gas Pipeline, has successfully proved that it is technically feasible, safe and efficient to run the southern section of the pipeline at the current operating pressure using pure or blended hydrogen.

The 43 kilometre section of the pipeline being considered for conversion runs between the Kwinana Industrial Area and the Alcoa Pinjarra Refinery.

The testing was conducted as part of APA's second phase of research into converting the section of pipeline and was partly funded with $300,000 from the WA Government's Renewable Hydrogen Fund.

The WA Government is investing more than $170 million to accelerate the growth of Western Australia's renewable hydrogen industry and meet the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The pressurised hydrogen testing was undertaken at Australia' first dedicated hydrogen test laboratory at the University of Wollongong, in partnership with the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre.

The next phase of the project will consider preparing the pipeline for hydrogen service, including detailed conversion plans and safety studies, while continuing to investigate potential supply and offtake opportunities.

To read the public knowledge sharing report for APA Group's Parmelia Gas Pipeline Hydrogen Conversion Project Technical Feasibility Study go to www.wa.gov.au/government/documentcollections/public-knowledge-sharingreports-wa-renewable-hydrogen-fund

“What we found from the previous study was that many dangerous goods transport operators had not necessarily seen a macro view of their vehicles’ footprint across the network. So, instead of leaving that as a one-off study, we’ve decided to launch an evergreen study, where we’ll work with the industry to make sure they get true benefits out of it,” Hill said.

A key aspect of this new initiative is that the types of dangerous goods being carried by vehicles will be collected. When combined with vehicle movement data, the collection of dangerous goods types will provide valuable insights into the movement of dangerous goods on the road network, Hill explained.

“We recognise that different operators may collect this information in different ways, and we’ll work with individual operators to ensure there’s streamlined process to share dangerous goods load information with us.”

He also highlighted how the construction transport sector has established a data sharing initiative with TCA.

A key foundation of all industry-led data sharing initiatives managed by TCA is the transparent consent arrangements, which fully disclose the purpose for which data is collected, how it will be used and importantly, how it will not be used. These arrangements, coupled with TCA’s independent role, are essential to establishing the trust necessary for transport operators to enter into voluntary data sharing initiatives.

To find out more or get involved go to tca.gov. au/dangerous-goods-voluntary-data-study/