BOC to collaborate with CSIRO on revolutionary $3.4m hydrogen project

Sydney, 22 August 2017: BOC, a member of The Linde Group, one of the world’s leading gases and engineering companies, will support CSIRO during its $3.4 million ammonia to hydrogen cracking and membrane purification project that is set to revolutionise the global supply chain for hydrogen.

As part of a recently signed collaboration agreement, BOC will contribute in-kind gas products, equipment and technical expertise worth in excess of $100,000 for the two-year project now underway at CSIRO’s test site in Pullenvale, Brisbane.

BOC will supply ammonia, which will be cracked and purified into pure hydrogen by the modular membrane technology unit developed by CSIRO. BOC engineers will also assist with compressing the hydrogen and storing it in special cylinder packs, then distributing it to customers on the Australian east coast for use in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

General Manager Hydrogen Alex Dronoff says BOC is proud to be working with CSIRO researchers as they take a significant step forward in hydrogen technology, paving the way for a renewable hydrogen export market that could meet rising demand in emerging markets Europe, Japan and South Korea.

“As the only global organisation with expertise and technology that covers the entire hydrogen supply chain, BOC and The Linde Group are committed to working with Australian researchers and industry to help advance the global transition towards clean hydrogen for mobility and energy.

“We look forward to sharing our extensive experience with CSIRO as they enter the final development stages of the membrane technology device – providing advice on generation and storage, right through to transportation and refuelling of hydrogen-powered vehicles.”      

CSIRO Energy Director Karl Rodrigues is excited by the growing global momentum to develop hydrogen energy systems, and the potential for a hydrogen export industry to benefit Australia.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with industry – including BOC – and look forward to applying CSIRO innovation to facilitate the creation of new low emissions energy markets."

Dronoff adds the CSIRO project is a vital technology breakthrough that complements much of the pioneering work that The Linde Group has been driving for decades.

“With more than 150 fuelling stations built worldwide and over 1.5 million refuelling operations completed, Linde is continuously working on the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure. In August 2016 Linde launched BeeZero, the world’s first hydrogen-powered carsharing service – and is a joint partner of the Energie Park Mainz project that produces and stores renewable hydrogen for mobility applications generated by electrolysis through wind energy at a grid-relevant scale.

“With this CSIRO technology, it will be easier and faster to replicate this success on an even larger scale. We are certainly excited by the significant role that Australia will play in making renewable hydrogen a fuel of the future.”

For more information on the CSIRO project, click here.

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About BOC:  BOC is a member of The Linde Group which supplies compressed and bulk gases, chemicals and equipment around the globe. The company develops safe, sustainable and innovative solutions for customers in many specialty sectors, heavy industry and medical environments. For more than a century the company's gases and expertise have contributed to advances in industry and everyday life, including steelmaking, refining, chemical processing, environmental protection, wastewater treatment, welding and cutting, food processing and distribution, glass production, electronics and health care. For further information, see www.boc.com.au

About Linde: In the 2016 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.948 bn, making it one of the leading gases and engineering companies in the world, with approximately 60,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business, with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com