Victoria Coal to Hydrogen: Bad for Earth?

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Summary of https://michaelwest.com.au/hesc-coal...rgy-for-japan/

A recent announcement by the Japanese and Australian governments has sparked controversy over a proposed coal-to-hydrogen energy project in Victoria, Australia. The project, which is still in the planning stages, would involve converting coal into hydrogen gas, which could then be used to generate electricity or power cars.

Proponents of the project argue that it is a clean and sustainable way to produce energy. They point to the fact that hydrogen gas does not produce greenhouse gases when it is burned. However, environmentalists argue that the project will damage the environment and is not a clean energy source.

One of the main concerns is that the project will require the construction of new coal mines. Coal mining can damage the environment by releasing pollutants into the air and water. It can also lead to deforestation and soil erosion.

Another concern is that the project will rely on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. CCS technology is designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other sources and store them underground. However, CCS technology has not been proven to work at scale.

In addition, the project has been criticized for its cost. The estimated cost of the project is A$1 billion. Critics argue that this money could be better spent on developing renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

The Victorian government has said that it is committed to working with environmental groups to address their concerns. However, it is unclear whether the project will go ahead.

The debate over the coal-to-hydrogen project is likely to continue. It is a complex issue with no easy answers.