Project
Polaris
NORTHSTAR ENERGY’S PROJECT POLARIS AIMS TO BE A GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC STATION TO GENERATE RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY, AND TO FUEL PRODUCTION OF GREEN HYDROGEN.
Northstar will undertake a pre-feasibility study to assess the viability of developing a solar photovoltaic (PV) station near Charleville in south-west Queensland. The preferred site is an ideal location for a solar development It is envisaged that the station could be connected to the national grid to return generation income and large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) as well as provide a renewable, clean energy source to power an electrolyser to split water (H20) into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) at the Energy Evolution Hub.
The preferred site is an ideal location for a solar development given its high-quality solar resource, close proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, and minimal environmental impacts likely during construction due to the site’s pastoral location.
Northstar’s commitment to deliver this project and a cleaner energy future for Queensland is very much aligned with the State Government which is pursuing plans to generate 50 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
How Hydrogen is
Produced from Solar
Like fuel cells, electrolysers consist of an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte.
In a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser, the electrolyte is a solid specialty plastic material. Water reacts at the anode to form oxygen and positively charged hydrogen ions (protons).
The electrons flow through an external circuit and the hydrogen ions selectively move across the PEM to the cathode. At the cathode, hydrogen ions combine with electrons from the external circuit to form hydrogen gas.
Anode Reaction: 2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e-
Cathode Reaction: 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2
Project Cosmos
Project Cosmos will serve domestic and export gas markets as well as potentially contribute to the production of blue hydrogen.