ABEL Energy picks electrolyzer supplier for flagship Bell Bay project

Australia’s ABEL Energy has selected thyssenkrupp nucera, the hydrogen business of German-based engineering company thyssenkrupp, as the preferred supplier of the 260 MW of electrolyzers required for its hydrogen and methanol project in Bell Bay, Tasmania, Australia.

According to ABEL Energy, the Bell Bay project’s green methanol output will not only cut fossil carbon emissions in the maritime industry but also drive employment opportunities and economic growth in Tasmania, and to produce net-zero methanol, the project requires substantial amounts of green hydrogen and scalable electrolyzers.

In that regard, ABEL Energy said that thyssenkrupp nucera offers “highly efficient” 20 MW alkaline water electrolysis modules, known as scalum, for green hydrogen production.

To note, scheduled to commence by 2028, the Bell Bay project aims to achieve the annual production of 300,000 tonnes of green methanol.

Commenting on the deal, ABEL Energy said that both parties are excited to cooperate in creating the next generation of circular clean energy products, pointing out that this project is also centered on fostering innovation and progress in the green hydrogen sector. The companies are now looking to enter a similar arrangement with the Port of Townsville, ABEL Energy added.

Rhys Tucker, Chief Technology Officer of ABEL Energy, stated that thyssenkrupp nucera’s scalum electrolyzers “are well suited to the requirements of our Bell Bay project. We look forward to continuing development of our project with the support of thyssenkrupp nucera.”

Johann Rinnhofer, Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp nucera Australia, added: “We are pleased to be selected as the preferred supplier for this pivotal project in Australia, and to work together with ABEL Energy to further execute this project. It underscores the relevance of selecting electrolysis technology which matches the operational and economical needs for large-scale hydrogen projects.”

To remind, in February 2024, ABEL Energy awarded compatriot Worley with front-end engineering design (FEED) work for the Bell Bay project.

Under the agreement, Worley said the company will design and engineer the facility, while also providing procurement and construction services through to the final investment decision (FID). Moreover, Worley noted it will work with local Tasmanian engineering company pitt&sherry to tailor its delivery approach to the unique considerations of the region.