Project overview
Through our Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) framework, we engage with local communities to determine the long-term energy solutions that best meet their needs. This approach involves early engagement and thorough planning as the foundation for a more collaborative path to decision making that affects the regions we serve.
Commencing in 2022, this Commonwealth grant funded feasibility study will assess the potential for cleaner, greener energy in Hopetoun and Norseman.
The project will aim to improve our understanding of the viabiliy of hydrogen as a renewable energy solution. This will involve exploring its ability to displace diesel, when renewables such as solar and wind are not available.
Initial stages of this project will involve assessing the feasibility of:
- Producing green hydrogen in the region using spill energy from the Esperance Renewables Hub, existing wind turbines and new green sources
- Storing, transporting and using that hydrogen to decarbonise the systems of Hopetoun, Norseman and future generation SPS units.
The project is also exploring the complementary use cases to make sense of the viability assessment findings.
Esperance, Hopetoun & Norseman
12 month trial
Feasibility study due for completion by 2023
The path forward
This study will assess the production of hydrogen, transportation, storage and use to decarbonise our power stations and stand alone power systems as a fuel source to displace fossil fuels. It would work in cooperation together with more well known renewable sources of solar panels, wind turbines and battery energy storage systems.
The impact of hydrogen in the South East
The feasibility study in the South East of Western Australia will focus on;
- the viability of small-scale hydrogen production at an Esperance-based hub, using spill energy, new and existing assets;
- transportation and storage of hydrogen
- the end use of hydrogen in the Hopetoun and Norseman energy systems, and future generation standalone power systems (SPS).
To provide comparison points, the study will also consider the following variations:
- the base case outlined on the preceding page, plus additional hydrogen production for sale in a small/medium market, serving a separate, customised need
- local hydrogen production in Hopetoun and Norseman (excluding a hub in Esperance)
- purchased hydrogen from a third-party supplier.
Modest third party load
Import from third party
Why Hydrogen?
Fuel for the future
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element in the universe. It can be used as a clean fuel alternative that, when consumed, produces only water. A common method to produce Hydrogen is through electrolysis, which involves using electricity to separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.
A cleaner, greener choice
As hydrogen is a clean energy source, the development of hydrogen energy systems has become the focus of global research efforts. Our determination to meet our customers’ future energy needs in a responsible and sustainable way is driving our investment in this space, together with the Western Australia and Commonwealth governments.
Hopetoun and Norseman Future energy system
We are currently assessing supply options from 2026 onwards, for Hopetoun and Norseman's future energy, beyond existing arrangements.
Through this study we will consider optimised modelling for our Norseman and Hopetoun systems, irrespective of the viability of hydrogen. This assessment will look at solar, wind, batteries and customer products in the future energy supply.
Powered by the community
The success of our IRP framework is built on frequent engagement with a variety of local stakeholders. Engagement is ongoing with the Shires of Esperance, Hopetoun and Norseman, as well as the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission and Traditional Owners.
The findings from this study will be supported by customer insights gathered at engagement events and engagement with local Shire and the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC).
For your opportunity to have a voice in this process, please see the community engagement dates below, or get in touch using our enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element in the universe. It can be used as a clean fuel alternative that, when consumed, produces only water. A common method to produce hydrogen is through electrolysis, which involves using electricity to separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.
The term ‘green hydrogen’ refers to when the electricity used to produce hydrogen is supplied via renewable energy generation (solar, wind etc). The hydrogen is then stored and can be used for several applications.
In the context of a town’s electricity network, green hydrogen can be used to supplement a town’s renewable energy generation and provide a zero-emission fuel source at times when the natural resources are not available.
The study will consider multiple locations for the hub and provide a recommended site based on several factors, including community sentiment and a detailed cost-benefit analysis.
The study is focusing on the hub in the Esperance region as a central point to deliver to ‘spokes’. However, it is also considering local production in other areas and purchase of hydrogen from third parties as comparison points.
The study will consider multiple methods of transport including rail, road transport, and pipelines.
Yes, hydrogen can be stored in both gas and liquid form, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The study will recommend the storage type and strategy to best suit the project objectives.
This study will help Horizon Power understand the role in which Hydrogen could play in the Future Energy Systems of these towns.
In parallel, we are assessing the Future Energy Systems of these towns irrespective of hydrogen. We are exploring higher renewable energy penetration solutions using solar, wind and batteries to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel reliance.
If you’d like to speak with someone about the South East Region Hydrogen Hub & Spoke Model Feasibility Study including the future energy system of Hopetoun or Norseman, please fill in the enquiry form on the next tab or email IntegratedResourcePlanning@horizonpower.com.au
| Project milestone | Target date |
| Stage 1: Initial assessment and optioneering | January to April 2022 |
| Stage 2: Selection of preferred model for refinement | January to April 2022 |
| Stage 3: Market assessment | January to May 2023 |
| Following the study findings, the project will move towards either implementing an outcome with hydrogen, or implementing a non-hydrogen solution that still includes high penetration renewables. | Beyond 2023 |
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.