Sydney startup pioneering green hydrogen production using agricultural waste
With rising emissions from traditional energy sources and increasing pressure on the agricultural sector to reduce its carbon footprint, innovative solutions are needed more than ever. A Sydney-based startup, HydGene Renewables, is breaking new ground by transforming agricultural waste into green hydrogen to power the agricultural sector.
The innovative green hydrogen production system, co-developed by HydGene Renewables Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Kerstin Petroll and her team, tackles significant industry challenges, including high transport and storage costs which have historically hindered widespread adoption.
“Currently, more than 99% of hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels, making the decarbonisation of hydrogen production a critical step in reducing agriculture's and other industries’ carbon footprint and achieving emission reduction targets,” Dr. Petroll said.
“Our system is designed for on-site, on-demand production, converting existing agricultural and other biomass sources, like forestry residues, into a renewable hydrogen, reducing emissions of hydrogen production and supply but also reducing reliance on centralised production facilities.
“By decentralising green hydrogen production and using agricultural waste that is often burned on farms or sent to landfills, we can eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. This shift reduces emissions and costs associated with transport, electricity, and fertiliser production.”
A key feature of HydGene Renewables’ system is its biomass-agnostic approach, which allows the use of various types of waste streams - such as agricultural residues or forestry waste - to generate green hydrogen.
Currently, the team is building an in-house pilot system capable of producing 1kg of hydrogen per day - that can be used for ammonia production or to power a home for a day.
HydGene Renewables plans to demonstrate their technology in the field in 2025, with ambitions to deploy commercial demo plants within the next few years.
“I’m proud to be part of a team that’s leading the way in providing a decentralised, green energy solution that benefits both agriculture and waste management,” Dr. Petroll said.
Dr. Petroll is one of seven innovators selected for the AgriFutures Australia and growAG. Catalyst Program, which supports women in agrifood tech and innovation across Australia and New Zealand.
Through the program, she has connected with strategic partners and investors, gaining opportunities to accelerate HydGene Renewables technology towards commercialisation.
Harriet Mellish, AgriFutures Australia’s General Manager of Global Innovation Networks said Dr. Petroll’s work exemplifies the innovation that Catalyst was designed to support.
“The program not only recognises exceptional research and technology but also provides these innovators with a platform to access the next stage of development. Dr. Petroll’s participation highlights the transformative potential of her work in decarbonising agriculture.”
HydGene Renewables is currently seeking investment and commercial partnerships with businesses looking for green, low-cost hydrogen solutions. This includes co-op models and regional agricultural hubs interested in diversifying and de-risking their revenue streams by supplying biomass residues to the industry.
Looking ahead, HydGene Renewables aims to expand its technology to additional sectors such as transportation and chemical manufacturing, offering a comprehensive green hydrogen solution by 2030.