13-09-2023
News
From the 5th to the 7th of September 2023, the world witnessed the H2Q Hydrogen Connect Summit, a stellar convergence of global experts in the hydrogen sector. Drawing over 600 participants from various corners of the globe, the summit was a testament to the growing interest in hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. AGA was proud to partner and contribute to the success of this pivotal event.
The inaugural day was a whirlwind of activity, featuring enlightening tours, hands-on workshops, and collaborative events that fostered networking and knowledge exchange among the attendees.
On the 6th of September, the summit’s momentum surged. Mike Straughton, chair of H2Q, set the tone with his invigorating opening remarks. This was swiftly followed by a riveting ministerial keynote by The Hon Assistant Minister Lance McCallum MP, who delved into Queensland’s aspirations to emerge as a global frontrunner in the hydrogen domain.
Anna Freeman from the Clean Energy Council then took center stage, moderating a session where hydrogen policymakers shared their insights on Australia’s evolving hydrogen landscape. Joined by panelists Tim Stock and Chris Shaw, the discussion was a deep dive into strategies for amplifying Australia’s hydrogen footprint.
The roundtable discussions were equally captivating, spanning topics from “Safety Standards and Codes of Best Practice: 2023” to “Policy Fundamentals: Industry Insights and Opportunities”. Esteemed speakers from organisations such as Standards Australia and ARUP enriched these discussions with their expertise.
David Bow, Plug Power’s Vice President, captivated the audience with his insights on the global status of green hydrogen and electrolyser technology. His session was a center of curiosity, with numerous questions pouring in from an engaged audience.
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the session moderated by AGA’s Managing Director Bill Tabourlos, focusing on building domestic hydrogen demand using existing networks. The panel, featuring industry experts Owen Sharpe from AGIG and Lucy Burke from ATCO, Dr Klaas van Alphen from APA and David Whittam from CO2 CRC, delved into the nuances of hydrogen integration, blending, and community engagement. As the discussions progressed, Bill facilitated a seamless transition between the panelists, ensuring a smooth flow of insights and expertise.
Owen Sharpe, representing AGIG, brought to the table his profound knowledge of gas systems and the transformative role hydrogen is poised to play within them. Lucy Burke from ATCO, with her extensive experience in renewable hydrogen project opportunities, provided insights into the practical challenges and solutions of integrating hydrogen into current infrastructures.
Klaas van Alphen from APA, a seasoned expert in hydrogen and future fuels, shed light on the potential of hydrogen in transmission pipelines and the broader implications for large domestic energy users. His insights were complemented by David Whittam from CO2 CRC, who delved into the innovative realm of underground hydrogen storage and its significance in large-scale H2 supply infrastructure.
Together, the panelists navigated the intricate landscape of hydrogen integration, discussing the potential of blending hydrogen with existing gas supplies and the transformative impact this could have on domestic energy consumption. Moreover, the session underscored the importance of community engagement in this energy transition, emphasising the need for trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for a sustainable future.
The discussions continued to soar with a panel on renewables, land, and water constraints, moderated by John Grimes from the Smart Energy Council. The panelists, including AGA’s Renewable Energy Technical Advisor Tom Lord, provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
As the sun set, attendees mingled over networking drinks, sharing insights and forging connections. The following day, discussions centered on Asia’s decarbonisation ambitions and the role of grant funding initiatives in advancing renewables, with standout sessions moderated by Tak Adachi and Paul Hodgson.
While the summit was brimming with sessions, each more enlightening than the last, it was the collective spirit of innovation and collaboration that truly set it apart.
In essence, the H2Q Summit wasn’t merely an event; it marked a significant stride in hydrogen’s journey as a cornerstone of sustainable energy. The insights exchanged and partnerships forged during these three days are bound to catalyse the evolution of the hydrogen industry in the years to come.
We’re thrilled to introduce Plumbers Community by AGA, a dedicated platform for plumbing professionals across Australia!
Plumbers Community is designed for water and gas plumbing professionals, providing exclusive access to:
* Plumbing Standards
* AGA Information Sheets
* Regulatory updates
* Exclusive badge use
Members can also directly reach out to AGA for insights on plumbing standards and benefit from the experience of AGA’s seasoned Standards Australia committee experts.
This initiative stems from consistent feedback and demand from plumbing professionals across Australia. Aligned with AGA’s not-for-profit constitution, our goal is to elevate the industry and prioritise safety. We’re proud to extend this service to plumbing professionals throughout Australia.
For more details, visit plumberscommunity.com.au.
The following Standards completed the public comment stage of the Standards Australia development process on 29 August 2023:
AS 4617:2018 Amd 2 – Manually operated gas valves
AS 4621:2019 Amd 2 – Regulator for use with liquefied petroleum – Vapour phase
AS 4627:2017 Amd 3 – Quick-connect devices for gas