BLUF

A unique project about to get underway in northern Australia could enable people and companies from operating in the north without having to deplete scarce underground water.

Summary

Cutting-edge technology is being trialled in the Northern Territory (NT). The hope is that water-dependent industries will one day operate in the outback without relying on taking water from underneath the earth. The NT Government has heralded the Desert Bloom Hydrogen project as 'ground-breaking'. This article notes the following key points:

  • The technology is designed to extract water from the desert atmosphere to produce hydrogen.

  • The NT's high humidity levels will likely aid the process.

  • The project in Tennant Creek is being fast-tracked by the Territory Government and has been granted Major Project Status.

  • The full extent of the technology's long-term environmental impact remains unknown.

  • However, a study into any potential danger is expected to be released shortly.

  • A private firm is backing the project to the tune of $1 billion.

  • The firm behind the Desert Bloom Hydrogen project, Aqua Aerem, has flagged its plans to begin producing and exporting hydrogen to Asian markets within five years.

  • A Victorian-based water expert said the project was unique and a first of its kind in Australia.

  • Construction on the project is scheduled to start in 2022, with production commencing in 2023.

Learn more about new technology for extracting water from the air.

References