Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX:PV1, OTC:GBBLF) has made further progress in the development of compressed green hydrogen supply chains in Europe using its proprietary storage and carrier solutions.
The energy firm's recent achievements include completing the design phase of a prototype tank for compressed hydrogen, with construction and testing planned in Norway for the first quarter of 2024.
Techno-economic qualification continues with major European utilities, ports and pipeline companies to include compression as a carrier for the import of gaseous green hydrogen.
Looking ahead, extension of tank IP with the design of new small-scale hydrogen storage tanks for onshore and maritime solutions (1 to 10-tonne capacity) provides the company with commercialisation opportunities in 2024.
"Advance across full value chain"
Provaris managing director and CEO Martin Carolan said: “Provaris' focus on development and R&D activity out of Norway continues to advance across the full value chain for Europe.
"Our dialogue with stakeholders from the supply of hydrogen through to import continues to increase the awareness of compression.
"Techno-economic qualification of the benefits when it comes to flexibility and delivered cost for hydrogen import is now resulting in increasing focus on compression’s inclusion in a portfolio of import alternatives.
"German government policy continues to roll out legislation, funding initiatives and infrastructure to meet an increasing reliance on hydrogen to cut emissions and achieve the latest target of 3-4 million tonnes per annum required in 2030, of which 70% is stated to come from imports.”
Prototype tank program
A key milestone has been achieved for the Prototype Tank program underway in Norway, with Prodtex completing the design for a multi-layered carbon-steel prototype tank to be constructed and tested in the first quarter of 2024.
The successful completion of the testing program is the final requirement for Class Approval of the H2Neo carrier to be provided by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV), who will survey the construction and participate in the testing of the prototype tank.
The prototype testing will be performed by SINTEF, a recognised research facility in Norway.
Upon successful completion of prototype testing, Provaris will achieve a Final Class Approval stage for the ship designs, which will be a significant milestone for the company and completes a 4-year development program to have a construction-ready hydrogen carrier for maritime transportation.
In addition to these developments, Provaris Energy has expanded its intellectual property portfolio with the design of new small-scale hydrogen storage tanks.
Extension of tank IP with the design of new small-scale hydrogen storage tanks for onshore and maritime solutions (1 to 10-tonne capacity) provides the company with commercialisation opportunities in 2024.
Collaborative projects
Provaris Energy is actively involved in two collaborative projects focusing on the export of green hydrogen.
These projects utilise the company's compressed hydrogen storage barge and carriers, highlighting its commitment to environmentally friendly energy solutions.
The company is also exploring regional opportunities outside Norway, aiming to establish a robust compressed hydrogen supply chain across Europe.
Provaris CTO Per Roed added: “Provaris’ R&D activity in Norway for the construction and testing of a prototype tank remains on schedule for our final Class Approval milestone.
"Our program has also developed a new and potentially significant opportunity to extend our unique containment tank design to meet a requirement for small-scale storage tanks with capacity of 1 to 10 tonnes.
"Discussions with industry reinforce the demand for a low-capex alternative to high-pressure composite storage solutions which are suitable for onshore buffer storage and maritime applications. The proposal to manufacture these tanks in Norway also delivers a new industry that supports regional economic activity.”