Australian oil and gas firm Woodside has started Feed work on its proposed H2OK hydrogen project in Oklahoma in the US, awarding a contract to engineering firm KBR to carry out a study.

The firm is targeting FID for the second half of 2022, with first liquid hydrogen production in 2025—meaning the project is the most advanced of any in its portfolio.

Woodside has three large hydrogen projects in the development phase, including the 3GW H2Perth project in Western Australia and the 1.7GW H2TAS project in Tasmania.

H2OK is a liquid hydrogen production facility proposed to be built in the Westport Industrial Park in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Subject to approvals and customer demand, H2OK would involve the construction of an initial 290MW electrolysis facility producing up to 90t/d of liquid hydrogen for the heavy transport sector, with potential expansion to 550MW and 180t/d.

The facility would be located in a transport and supply chain corridor, with demand expected to from heavy-duty trucks, warehouse forklifts, ground-handling equipment and fuel cell microgrids for warehouses and data centres.

290MW – Initial size of electrolyser

Woodside says H2OK will achieve net-zero emissions, with electricity sourced from Oklahoma’s— largely wind-powered—grid, and Renewable Energy Certificates used to abate any remaining emissions.

“Coupled with our recently announced target to invest $5bn in new energy products and lower carbon services by 2030, this Feed entry supports Woodside’s strategy to thrive through the energy transition,” says Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill.

The firm recently signed a memorandum of understanding with fuel-cell vehicle manufacturer Hyzon Motors and a collaboration with renewable energy technology company Heliogen in its efforts to expand its US hydrogen business.

Woodside has a target to reduce its emissions by 15pc below its gross 2016-2020 annual average by 2025 and 30pc by 2030, and has an aspiration to reach net zero by 2050.

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Author: Tom Young