A Quick Hydrogen 101

Let’s start with the basics. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, yet somehow we’re only just figuring out how to use it in the production of energy (electricity/fuel) without causing greenhouse gas emissions. It can be a clean energy source that produces electricity or fuel, with water as its only by-product – no greenhouse gas emissions, no pollution. Sounds perfect, right?

Well, there’s always a catch. Producing hydrogen in a truly green way takes effort, (energy) but its potential is massive. It can power everything from industrial sites to trucks, ships, and even entire cities. If we get it right, renewable hydrogen could be the key to a cleaner energy future.

And now, for my one bad joke I promise:

Did you hear about hydrogen breaking it off from oxygen?  They were so good together….water shame.

(Alright, I’ll stick to energy policy and leave the comedy to someone else.) 😜

From Industrial Symbiosis to Renewable Energy

For a big chunk of my career, I’ve been focused on promoting industrial symbiosis – the idea that industries can work together to share resources, reduce waste, and create a more sustainable economy. Think of it like nature’s ecosystems: one industry’s by-product can be another’s raw material, cutting costs and emissions at the same time.

During my time leading the Kwinana Industries Council, we put this into action on a large scale. Instead of industries operating in isolation, we built a system where businesses collaborated, swapping materials and energy to create a more sustainable industrial hub. It’s a model that’s been studied worldwide and proves that working together benefits everyone – not just the bottom line, but the environment, too.

Hydrogen fits into this perfectly. It’s not just a standalone solution; it works best when integrated with existing industrial processes. That’s what excites me – hydrogen isn’t just about replacing fossil fuels; it’s about rethinking how we use energy altogether.

Why I Joined the Board of Good Water Energy

With everything I’ve worked on so far, stepping into the hydrogen space felt like the next logical move. Good Water Energy is at the forefront of making hydrogen a practical, large-scale, and competitive energy solution. Their vision for hydrogen production and integration aligns with my belief that clean energy needs to be smart, efficient, scalable and, most importantly, competitively priced.

At Good Water, we’re not just looking at hydrogen as a fuel – we’re looking at how it can be woven into Australia’s existing industrial landscape as a chemical input – a feedstock!. That means developing infrastructure, partnering with industries, and ensuring that renewable hydrogen is economically viable, not just theoretically promising.

The real challenge? Making hydrogen accessible and practical without waiting 20 years for policy to catch up. That’s where innovation and entrepreneurship comes in.

Where Hydrogen and Industrial Symbiosis Meet

The exciting thing about renewable hydrogen is that it doesn’t exist in isolation. It fits within the broader idea of industrial ecosystems, where multiple industries benefit from shared resources. Imagine a setup where industries generate hydrogen from excess renewable energy, store it, and provide it across sectors – from transport to heavy industry to local power grids, to fuels like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

This kind of cross-sector collaboration is exactly what industrial symbiosis is all about. It’s not just a vision – it’s something we can implement right now with the right leadership, conducive policy settings, and investment.

The Road Ahead

We’re at a pivotal moment in the clean energy transition, and renewable hydrogen has a serious role to play. But making it a reality isn’t just about technology – it’s about collaboration, investment, and a shift in mindset.  And yes, renewable hydrogen and all it can bring, is a threat to the long term continued use of fossil-based electricity and fuels.

My journey – from working on industrial sustainability to joining Good Water Energy – is about helping to make that shift happen. The opportunities are there. Now it’s about making sure we grab them.

If you want to learn more, feel free to reach out or connect with me on Linkedin.