Australia is moving towards a cleaner energy future, and hydrogen gas plays an important role in that shift. While it is the most abundant element in the universe, its real value for local businesses lies in its versatility. Whether it is used in heavy transport or industrial processing, hydrogen is a high-energy carrier that can support the evolving needs of Australian industries.
In this article, we explore the primary applications of hydrogen gas, its key benefits and the essential safety considerations for handling it across different environments.
What are the primary applications of hydrogen gas in Australia?
Because it is possible to source high-quality hydrogen gas Australia-wide, the element is currently transforming operations in several areas:
- Heavy transport and mobility: Hydrogen trucks may offer faster refuelling and potential payload advantages over battery-electric options in certain long-haul applications.
- Industrial feedstock: It is used in chemical processing, ammonia production for fertilisers and selected food manufacturing processes.
- Manufacturing and metalwork: High-grade hydrogen is used for precision metal cutting and welding. It also serves as a protective atmosphere during heat treatment, preventing metal oxidation.
- Scientific research: Beyond its industrial use, ultra-high purity hydrogen is a carrier gas for gas chromatography and other high-precision laboratory work.
Hydrogen is already working behind the scenes across a huge range of sectors. Different requirements call for varying purity levels, ranging from standard industrial grades to ultra-high purity options for sensitive laboratory work.
Main benefits of using hydrogen gas
One of the main benefits of using hydrogen gas is that it provides a practical way for businesses to potentially minimise emissions without losing out on performance. Here are some of its other advantages:
- Effective decarbonisation: Hydrogen can be a low-emissions fuel when produced using renewable energy. When used in a fuel cell, the only by-products are water vapour and heat. This makes hydrogen a highly effective substitute for fossil fuels in hard-to-abate industries.
- Impressive energy density: Hydrogen has very high energy per unit mass (~120 MJ/kg). For long-haul transport and high-heat manufacturing, this translates directly to longer operating ranges, higher payload capacities and reduced downtime. Note that its low energy per unit volume means it must be compressed or liquefied for practical storage.
- Reliable renewable support: Green hydrogen can help “firm” renewable energy by converting excess wind or solar power into hydrogen via electrolysis for later use. While less efficient than direct storage options, it is well-suited to long-duration and large-scale energy storage, where it can support grid stability.
However, as the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) notes, hydrogen is not inherently low-emission; its true climate benefits depend entirely on how it is produced and managed. Because hydrogen is a highly leak-prone molecule, preventing infrastructure leaks and ensuring clean production methods are critical to ensuring it acts as a genuine climate solution.
What are the critical safety guidelines for handling hydrogen gas in Australia?
While hydrogen is non-toxic, it is highly flammable and needs to be handled with professional care. Keeping a site safe involves a few non-negotiable steps:
- Prioritise ventilation: Hydrogen is much lighter than air and rises fast. Always store and use gas cylinders in well-ventilated areas so that any leaks can dissipate quickly instead of trapping themselves in roof spaces.
- Secure storage: Store cylinders separately from oxidising gases (such as oxygen) in accordance with relevant Australian standards.
- Install sensors: Hydrogen is colourless and odourless, so leaks cannot be reliably detected without sensors. It is highly recommended to install dedicated sensors in any area where hydrogen is stored in bulk.
- Manage ignition sources: Hydrogen ignites easily. Ensure all equipment is properly earthed to stop static discharge and keep all flames or sparks well away from the gas supply.
Unlock the potential of hydrogen for your operations
Hydrogen gas can offer a versatile, high-energy solution for industries looking to potentially reduce emissions without compromising performance. However, its true environmental value depends on responsible production, proper infrastructure and safe handling practices.
As a trusted Australian-owned industrial gases company, Coregas is here to provide your hydrogen gas needs. Whether you're looking to decarbonise your fleet or require high-purity hydrogen for industrial or laboratory applications, our team can support you with reliable supply and local expertise. Contact Coregas today to discuss your business’s laboratory or industrial gas needs.