GreenHy2 (ASX:H2G) Secures $1.5 Million Agreement to Supply Hydrogen Storage System to Telstra

Highlights

• Agreement Details: GreenHy2 Limited has signed a $1.5 million Federal Government Grant to supply its Hy2MEDI generation and storage system to Telstra, funded through the TDRI Program.
• Technology Integration: The Hy2MEDI system will integrate a solar array, solid-state metal hydride battery, dual fuel cells, and hydrogen generator, designed to ensure robust performance in disaster situations.
• Future Impact: This project aims to transition Telstra’s telecommunications installations from diesel dependency to a fully renewable energy model, enhancing resilience across over 9,000 sites in Australia and Southeast Asia.

GreenHy2 Limited (ASX:H2G) has announced a significant partnership with Telstra, marked by the signing of a Federal Government Grant aimed at delivering its innovative Hy2MEDI generation and storage system. This advanced system, valued at $1.5 million, will be funded by the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, and the Arts through the Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) Program, specifically under the Power Resilience Round.

The agreement follows GreenHy2’s application to the TDRI Program in late 2023, where the company proposed a fully renewable energy solution for telecommunications. The Hy2MEDI system is designed as a diesel-free, stand-alone power solution that integrates a solar array, an advanced long-life solid-state metal hydride battery, dual fuel cell power generation, and an alternative hydrogen generator.

To facilitate this project, matching finance of $3 million has been secured from INFRACO, a subsidiary of Telstra responsible for critical site infrastructure. As both the end-user and asset owner, INFRACO’s involvement underscores the importance of this initiative in enhancing the resilience of telecommunications systems.

The Hy2MEDI system has been specifically engineered using GKN Hydrogen technology for the telecommunications industry. It operates within a voltage range of 48-50VDC, tailored for telecommunications equipment. The system boasts high redundancy and durability, designed to function effectively during natural disasters or other adverse events that may disrupt emergency and community telecommunications services.

As part of the project, GreenHy2 will oversee the integration of various components, including the solar array, electrolysers, hydrogen dryer, water purification systems, GKN metal hydride storage, fuel cells, and control systems, into the Telstra site. The company will also manage all installation and commissioning work associated with the generation and storage system.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the project aims to optimize its current configuration to deliver a robust telecommunications solution suitable for critical infrastructure sites, including fibre optic repeater stations and mobile towers. This transition will significantly contribute to a renewable and non-diesel-powered future for telecommunications in Australia and beyond.

Telstra currently operates over 9,000 diesel-supported telecommunications installations across Australia, with additional installations throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The company also owns Digicel Pacific, a mobile network operator serving countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, and Nauru, where the Hy2MEDI technology could be particularly beneficial.

GreenHy2’s partnership with Telstra not only signifies a pivotal step in advancing renewable energy solutions within the telecommunications sector but also highlights the growing recognition of hydrogen as a viable energy alternative. The successful implementation of the Hy2MEDI system could pave the way for similar projects across various sectors, promoting sustainable practices and resilience in infrastructure.

As the telecommunications industry increasingly seeks to reduce its reliance on diesel and transition to cleaner energy sources, the Hy2MEDI system stands out as an innovative and effective solution. With the backing of both the Australian Government and Telstra, GreenHy2 is well-positioned to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future in telecommunications.