Australian-based manufacturer and supplier of plastics, Qenos, partnering with Santos have today announced an agreement to conduct a feasibility study into the use of hydrogen to dramatically reduce carbon emissions at Qenos’ Port Botany operations.
The study will explore opportunities for Santos to provide clean energy solutions to Australia’s sole manufacturer of polyethylene and leading supplier of world-class polymers which are the building blocks of essential everyday products in key packaging, agriculture, water, mining and waste management industries.
The study will investigate the use of up to two petajoules of hydrogen per annum as a clean-burning fuel for process energy, complementing the ethane feedstock that has underpinned the Port Botany operations for the past 25 years.
Additionally, it will also assess using hydrogen in an advanced recycling project that Qenos is currently progressing to help solve Australia’s plastic waste problem and will put Santos and Qenos at the leading edge of the circular economy in Australia.
Qenos Chief Executive Officer Stephen Bell said the study was an important step in Qenos’ plans to eliminate carbon emissions and deliver a more sustainable business.
“We’re pleased to partner with Santos who are committed to producing zero-emission hydrogen from natural gas with carbon capture and storage,” Mr Bell said.
“Our advanced recycling project will put us on the path to a circular economy, using plastic waste as a feedstock in addition to ethane. The potential to use clean-burning hydrogen in this project is also very exciting.
“This partnership is a great example of collaboration across the value chain to deliver better outcomes for our customers. With plastic use in Australia set to double by 2050, I am delighted Santos and Qenos are working together to explore new supply arrangements and ways of reducing emissions within Australia’s manufacturing industry.”
Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the feasibility study underpins Santos’ commitment to sustainable growth through a circular economy that provides long-term clean energy solutions, designs out waste and creates value.
“This study is the next step in that partnership as we explore opportunities to eliminate carbon emissions at Qenos’ Port Botany operations,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Santos is committed to reducing our own emissions to net-zero by 2040 and is proud to be playing our part in assisting manufacturers to reduce their emissions. We will continue to work with our customers along all parts of the value chain to help them reduce their emissions through new technologies and cleaner fuels.”
