Exploring Clean Energy

What will it take to decarbonise an industry responsible for moving more than 80% of global trade?

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, host Andy Marsland is joined by Jenny Ruffell-Smith, Australian Representative of the Global Maritime Forum, to explore one of the energy transition's biggest challenges: reducing emissions from global shipping.

Responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the maritime industry plays a critical role in international trade. But with alternative fuels currently costing two to four times more than conventional marine fuels, the pathway to net zero is far from straightforward.

From ammonia and methanol to battery-powered vessels, wind-assisted propulsion and operational efficiencies, the industry is exploring multiple solutions to reduce emissions while keeping global trade moving.

Jenny takes Andy inside the technologies, economics and policies shaping maritime decarbonisation, from the challenge of making alternative fuels commercially viable and the importance of international regulation, through to Australia's opportunity to become a producer and exporter of cleaner marine fuels.

The conversation also explores the Australia–East Asia iron ore green shipping corridor, the role of major industry players including Fortescue, and why collaboration between governments, shipowners, fuel producers and cargo owners will be essential to accelerating the transition.

With momentum building globally, the question is no longer whether shipping will decarbonise, but how quickly the industry can turn ambition into action.

Meet the Guest

Jenny Ruffell-Smith: Australian Representative, Global Maritime Forum

Jenny Ruffell-Smith is the Australian Representative for the Global Maritime Forum, an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to accelerate the transition to a sustainable maritime industry.

Based in Brisbane, Jenny works across government, industry and the energy sector to advance maritime decarbonisation initiatives, including co-leading the Australia–East Asia iron ore green shipping corridor taskforce.

Her career spans freight forwarding, ship agency, shipping lines and international logistics, with experience working across Europe, Australia and the Pacific.

A secondment to the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping in Denmark sparked her passion for maritime decarbonisation, combining her practical shipping experience with an interest in the global energy transition.

Today, Jenny brings a commercial and collaborative perspective to the challenges of decarbonising global trade, helping connect the organisations, technologies and policy initiatives needed to support a more sustainable maritime industry.

Minutes

0:00: Jenny's journey into maritime decarbonisation and the Global Maritime Forum

3:05: Why shipping's emissions matter and how the world is responding

6:16: Australia's position and the cost barriers to cleaner shipping

7:13: Cutting emissions through efficiency, wind-assisted propulsion and smarter operations

10:02: Where battery-powered and electric vessels fit into the future

11:08: The future fuels debate: ammonia, methanol, hydrogen and LNG

16:05: Understanding the green premium and who pays for cleaner shipping

17:37: The IMO Net Zero Framework and the role of global regulation

20:21: Australia's opportunity to produce, export and supply future marine fuels

21:56: Australia's Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan and the iron ore green shipping corridor

27:36: What to watch over the next 24 months and beyond

33:32: Why maritime decarbonisation needs action now

Key Takeaways

Decarbonising shipping is a global challenge with significant economic implications. Moving more than 80% of global trade, the maritime industry is essential to the world economy. Reducing its emissions will require solutions that are commercially viable, scalable and supported by international cooperation.

There is no single fuel that will power the future of shipping. Ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, batteries and transitional fuels all have potential roles to play. The right solution will depend on vessel type, trade routes, infrastructure, fuel availability and safety considerations.

Reducing emissions doesn't have to wait for alternative fuels. Operational improvements, including route optimisation, vessel speed, hull design and wind-assisted propulsion, can deliver meaningful emissions reductions using technologies already available today.

The cost of cleaner fuels remains one of the industry's biggest barriers. With alternative fuels currently costing two to four times more than conventional options, scaling production, creating demand and establishing supportive regulation will be critical to making the transition commercially viable.

Australia has an opportunity to become a major player in cleaner maritime fuels. With abundant renewable energy resources, established export relationships and significant shipping trade routes, Australia is well positioned to develop alternative fuel production, strengthen energy security and support international bunkering markets.

Green shipping corridors are helping turn ambition into action. The Australia–East Asia iron ore green shipping corridor demonstrates how collaboration between fuel producers, ports, shipowners and major exporters can accelerate the development of infrastructure and demand needed to support lower-emission shipping.

Global regulation and industry collaboration will be essential. While individual companies and countries are making progress, consistent international policy will be important to creating investment certainty, supporting a fair transition and avoiding fragmented approaches to maritime emissions reduction.

Perhaps most importantly, the episode highlights that maritime decarbonisation is no longer simply a future ambition. Technologies are being deployed, major industry players are investing and international partnerships are progressing.

The challenge now is bringing more of the industry on board and turning momentum into meaningful emissions reductions.

About Exploring Clean Energy

Hosted by Andy Marsland and sponsored by Stellar Recruitment, Exploring Clean Energy brings listeners into the heart of the energy transition, exploring where innovation, technology and sustainability converge.

Through conversations with technical experts, project leaders and industry changemakers, the podcast examines the technologies, opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's energy future and the global transition to cleaner energy.

Links

Learn more about the Global Maritime Forum: www.globalmaritimeforum.org

Connect with Jenny Ruffell-Smith: LinkedIn

Follow the Global Maritime Forum: LinkedIn

Explore the Global Maritime Forum's Annual Progress Report on Green Sh...

What if producing green hydrogen didn’t require an electrolyser and the associated infrastructure?

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, host Andy Marsland is joined by Alana Barlow, CEO of Sparc Hydrogen, and Professor Greg Metha, Lead Researcher, to explore a different pathway for renewable hydrogen production: “photocatalysts” (PCs) and  “photoelectrochemicals” (PECs) for water splitting.

As the hydrogen sector works to overcome the cost and infrastructure challenges associated with conventional green hydrogen, Sparc Hydrogen is developing technology that uses sunlight to split water directly into hydrogen and oxygen.

Often described as “artificial photosynthesis”, the process has the potential to simplify hydrogen production by removing the need to first generate electricity and then feed that electricity into an electrolyser.

Alana and Greg take Andy inside the science, economics and commercialisation pathway behind the technology - from the challenge of electricity costs and the importance of solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, through to Sparc Hydrogen’s pilot plant in South Australia and its ambitions for commercial-scale deployment.

Meet the Guests

Alana Barlow - CEO, Sparc Hydrogen

Alana is CEO of Sparc Hydrogen, a production technology company developing low-cost photocatalytic water splitting technology.

Her career spans government, project development, asset management and commercial law, with the past six years focused on alternative energy including hydrogen and its derivatives, biogases and bio-liquids.

Previously working with Sumitomo Corporation across hydrogen, resources and energy, Alana led the final investment decision on the A$111 million Sumitomo Gladstone Green Hydrogen Project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto.

Today, her focus is on enabling and emerging technologies capable of reducing the levelised cost of hydrogen and supporting the industry's next stage of development.

Professor Greg Metha - Lead Researcher, Sparc Hydrogen

Greg is a Professor of Chemistry and Co-Director of the Centre for Energy Technology at Adelaide University.

He established and convenes the international Hydrogen Production Technology (HyPT) series of forums and is involved in a range of international hydrogen research initiatives, including the NSF-CSIRO Global Center for Hydrogen Production, the IEA Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme and Mission Innovation's Sunlight-to-X Innovation Platform.

Greg heads the Metal Cluster Laboratory, where his research explores the physical and chemical properties of sub-nanometre metallic particles, novel catalysts and advanced photocatalytic reactors operating under concentrated solar radiation.

This research contributed to the establishment of Sparc Hydrogen, where Greg continues as Lead Researcher.

Minutes

0:42 - The problem facing green hydrogen today

4:07 - How photocatalytic hydrogen production works

5:59 - Why 10% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency matters

11:31 - Sparc Hydrogen's partnership with SunHydrogen

12:15 - Inside the SHARP pilot plant

18:05 - Simpler infrastructure and remote hydrogen production

22:41 - The partners helping commercialise the technology

24:08 - From pilot plant to commercial deployment

26:31 - Where could photocatalytic hydrogen be used?

32:42 - The biggest opportunities to bring costs down

33:54 - Rapid fire: hydrogen misconceptions and Australia's energy challenge

Key Takeaways

Green hydrogen's challenge isn't simply producing renewable electricity - it's accessing enough low-cost renewable electricity to make hydrogen economically viable at scale.

Photocatalytic water splitting offers a fundamentally different approach by using sunlight to produce hydrogen directly, potentially removing several pieces of electrical infrastructure required by conventional electrolysis.

For Sparc Hydrogen, solar-to-hydrogen efficiency is critical. Reaching and ultimately exceeding the key efficiency range could significantly change the economics of the technology.

But laboratory efficiency alone won't determine commercial success. Long-term durability, low-cost infrastructure, manufacturability and successful progression from pilot to commercial demonstration will all be important.

Perhaps most importantly, the episode highlights the continuing evolution of hydrogen technology. Electrolysis is not the only pathway being explored - and technologies emerging from research today could play a role in changing how renewable hydrogen is produced tomorrow.

About Exploring Clean Energy

Hosted by Andy Marsland and sponsored by Stellar Recruitment, Exploring Clean Energy brings listeners into the heart of the energy transition, exploring where innovation, technology and sustainability converge.

Through conversations with technical experts, project leaders and industry changemakers, the podcast examines the technologies, opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's energy future and the global transition to cleaner energy.

Links

Learn more about Sparc Hydrogen: www.sparchydrogen.com

Connect with Alana Barlow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-barlow-a2252649/

Connect with Professor Greg Metha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-metha-58954857/

Alex Tancock, CEO of InterContinental Energy, joins Andy Marsland to discuss why green hydrogen is entering its next phase beyond the hype. Alex shares how InterContinental Energy has spent more than a decade developing some of the world's largest renewable energy hubs, explains the patented P2(H2)Node™ technology that could significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen production, and explores how hydrogen, green iron, AI data centres and energy security are converging to reshape Australia's industrial future. The conversation covers giga-scale project development, Australia's competitive advantage, sovereign energy, and why optionality may be the key to building the next generation of energy infrastructure.

Show Notes & Timestamps

0:00 - Welcome to Exploring Clean Energy
Andy introduces the episode and welcomes Alex Tancock, CEO of InterContinental Energy.

0:22 - The vision behind InterContinental Energy
Alex explains why the company was founded to develop the world's largest clean energy hubs and why Australia is uniquely positioned to lead.

3:21 - Why scale matters
Lessons from the resource sector, the importance of mega-projects, and how the modular P2(H2)Node™ approach makes giga-scale development possible.

6:03 - Hydrogen beyond the hype
Why today's market consolidation is a natural evolution, and what separates the projects that will succeed from those that won't.

9:00 - Green iron and Australia's opportunity
How the Pilbara could become a global green iron hub powered by renewable hydrogen.

11:07 - Inside the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH)
Alex shares the progress, approvals and long-term vision for one of the world's largest renewable energy projects.

14:07 - The P2(H2)Node™ explained
How InterContinental Energy's patented technology reduces costs, improves efficiency and could become the blueprint for future hydrogen projects.

19:20 - Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH)
Why WGEH is being built as a series of modular energy hubs and what it means for Australia's manufacturing future.

22:00 - International demand and AI-powered growth
The role of Japan, Korea, AI data centres and energy security in accelerating Australia's clean energy exports.

32:17 - Looking ahead to 2035
Alex outlines the roadmap for AREH and WGEH, the biggest challenges ahead, and his vision for Australia's clean energy future.

34:12 - Rapid-fire questions
Hydrogen myths, China's leadership, future energy skills, and why the P2(H2)Node™ may be the industry's most underrated clean energy innovation.

37:07 - Closing reflections
Alex shares his final thoughts on Australia's opportunity to become a global clean energy powerhouse.

Guest Bio

Alexander Tancock

Alex Tancock is the Chief Executive Officer of InterContinental Energy, a global leader in giga-scale green hydrogen and renewable energy development. He has been involved in renewable energy for nearly three decades and has spent more than ten years helping position InterContinental Energy at the forefront of large-scale green hydrogen innovation.

Under his leadership, the company has developed two of the world's largest renewable energy projects - the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH) and the Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) - while pioneering its patented P2(H2)Node™ systems architecture, designed to significantly improve the economics of giga-scale hydrogen production.

Alex is passionate about Australia's opportunity to become a global clean energy powerhouse through green hydrogen, green iron and renewable energy exports, while creating long-term sovereign energy security and industrial growth.

Links

InterContinental Energy
https://intercontinentalenergy.com

Alexander Tancock on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-tancock-2aa31a24/

InterContinental Energy on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/intercontinental-energy/

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy sits down with Neil Gardner, Executive Manager at Jet Zero Australia, to explore one of the most practical pathways to decarbonising aviation: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Neil breaks down what SAF is, why it’s considered the near-to-medium term solution for long-haul flight, and how policy, mandates, and corporate demand are shaping a fast-scaling global market. The conversation also goes behind the scenes at Jet Zero - covering the Ulysses and Mandala projects, community engagement in regional Queensland, and why “bringing the regions to the runway” is more than a motto - it’s a blueprint for Australia’s clean fuel future.

Show Notes & Timestamps
0:00 - Welcome to Exploring Clean Energy
Andy introduces the show and today’s focus: clean energy solutions accelerating a sustainable future.

0:16 - Introducing Today’s Guest: Neil Gardner (Jet Zero Australia)
Neil’s background and role leading Jet Zero’s growth and SAF project development.

0:32 - What is SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)?
Neil explains SAF as a non-fossil jet fuel and the lifecycle emissions reduction potential (around 60% to 85%+).

1:42 - “Drop-in fuel”: why SAF matters right now
How SAF works with existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure - no new planes required.

3:11 - SAF vs batteries vs hydrogen for aviation
Why batteries are currently too heavy for long-haul; hydrogen storage and infrastructure constraints; why SAF is viewed as the near/medium-term solution.

6:10 - SAF production pathways and “technology agnostic” delivery
Neil explains multiple ASTM-approved pathways and why Jet Zero focuses on high “TRL” (readiness) technologies.

7:40 - Alcohol-to-Jet and HEFA pathways explained
HEFA: currently the main global SAF pathway (using used cooking oil/tallow/oilseeds)
Alcohol-to-Jet: emerging as a key scalable pathway (ethanol → SAF)

9:15 - LanzaJet and the Ulysses project
LanzaJet’s commercialisation of Alcohol-to-Jet and Jet Zero’s relationship + licensing approach.

10:40 - Feedstocks: ethanol, sugarcane, corn waste, and future options
How different feedstocks support different SAF pathways—and why diversity matters.

12:20 - “There isn’t enough feedstock”: addressing the common critique
Neil’s take on market saturation risks for used cooking oil/tallow and the need for new feedstocks.

14:40 - Certification, transparency, and avoiding unintended consequences
Why traceability, certification, and supply chain governance are essential for integrity and emissions claims.

16:30 - Book-and-claim + blockchain traceability (in practice)
How corporates can track SAF impact across the supply chain and confidently report emissions reductions.

18:50 - Global mandates driving demand (EU, UK, Japan)
How blend mandates create demand certainty and unlock investment for capital-intensive SAF projects.

21:10 - Australia’s policy gap and the opportunity ahead
Why Australia is behind on mandates, what consultation is underway, and the “second-mover advantage”.

23:10 - Corporate-led momentum: Qantas, the SAF Coalition, and the $200m fund
How corporate Scope 3 commitments are pulling SAF into the market before regulation arrives.

25:30 - Why this industry scales fast: growth outlook and demand by 2050
Neil shares the growth trajectory and why this could be one of the fastest fuel transitions globally.

27:20 - What is Jet Zero and why it was created
Jet Zero’s purpose, investor support (including Airbus, Qantas, Idemitsu), and focus on bankable, near-term delivery.

28:40 - Funding correction (Queensland Government grant)
Neil corrects the Queensland Government grant figure mentioned in the episode.

29:35 - Project 1: Ulysses (Townsville) - Alcohol-to-Jet
~200M litres of ethanol input
~100M litres SAF output
~11M litres renewable diesel output
Targeting FID in 2H 2026 and operations by end of 2028

32:20 - Project 2: Mandala (Gladstone) - HEFA
Feedstocks include tallow, used cooking oil, and domestic canola, plus exploration of future native crops.

33:39 - Closing reflections
SAF as the most practical near-term decarbonisation route for aviation and Australia’s chance to lead.

Funding Correction
Correction: Queensland Government grant value
In the episode, the Queensland Government grant was misstated as $660,000. The correct amount is $760,000.
Official announcement:
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100955

Guest Bio - Neil Gardner
Neil Gardner is the Executive Manager at Jet Zero Australia and was one of the organisation’s first employees, playing a key role in its growth from start-up to an emerging industry leader in sustainable aviation fuels. Neil has 20 years’ experience in the energy industry, leading teams of up to 200 people, and brings deep commercial and strategic expertise across the energy transition. He has held senior roles with Shell across Australasia, spent seven years with Arrow Energy (Shell & CNPC CSG JV) as Commercial Manager and Senior Advisor to the CEO, and is ex-Verbrec (engineering services across APAC). Neil holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Birmingham.

Links
Jet Zero website: https://jetzero.com.au/
Neil Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-gardner-b223051/
Jet Zero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jet-zero/

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy sits down with Corbin Luther, E-Mobility Solutions Specialist at Volvo Group Australia, to unpack one of the most challenging and exciting frontiers of decarbonisation: heavy vehicles. From electrical infrastructure and driver behaviour to hydrogen fuel cells and renewable diesel, Corbin provides a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at how Volvo is approaching the transition at scale. This conversation moves beyond theory into real-world fleet operations, exploring what is working, what is not, and what the next decade will really look like for Australia’s trucking industry.

Show Notes & Timestamps

0:00 - Welcome to Exploring Clean Energy
Andy sets the scene for today’s topic: the innovations reshaping freight, logistics, and heavy vehicles.

1:05 - Introducing Today’s Guest: Corbin Luther (Volvo Group Australia)
Corbin outlines Volvo’s structure globally and in Australia, including the role of Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks in local manufacturing.

3:45 - How Big is Volvo in the EV Trucking Space?
Discussion of global volumes, Australian production, and the rapid rise to 117 electric trucks now on the road, with more than 50 delivered this year.

6:10 - What Makes E-Mobility Technically Challenging in Australia?

Corbin breaks down:

• The constraints of aging electrical infrastructure
• Long distances vs short-haul suitability
• Market misconceptions about what electric trucks are designed for
• Fitting technology to specific applications

11:40 - Driver Behaviour: The Make-or-Break Variable

How telematics, regen braking, and driving style impact EV range, and why driver training is essential for fleets moving to electric.

16:30 - From Resistance to Enthusiasm: Changing Attitudes to EV Trucks

Real-world stories of sceptical drivers who change their minds within minutes of getting behind the wheel.

19:30 - Charging Infrastructure: The Volvo Approach
Volvo’s advisory role, partnerships with charging companies, and why they stay out of owning physical charging hubs.

23:05 - Decarbonising Heavy Transport: Electric, Hydrogen and Renewable Diesel (HVO)

A detailed breakdown of:

• Hydrogen fuel-cell trucks under development in Europe
• How HVO works and why it is a promising transition fuel
• European advancements and realistic timelines for change

30:50 - Fit for Purpose: Why There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
How Volvo assesses a customer’s fleet, routes, power costs and operational realities before recommending EV adoption.

37:20 - The Economics: Total Cost of Ownership and the Sweet Spot

Why electricity price, kilometres travelled, and utilisation all determine whether an EV truck makes financial sense.

43:00 - Behaviour Change and Second-Mover Advantage
How sustainability pressure from customers, supply chains, and even employees is influencing fleet decisions.

48:00 - Government Policy: What’s Helping and What’s Not
Corbin discusses axle weight restrictions, the pace of ADR changes, and the role of ARENA-funded projects.

54:10 - Road Wear, Vehicle Design and the realigning misconceptions
Findings from Volvo and Austroads showing how tyre footprint and suspension design can reduce pavement impact.

58:40 - Operational Optimisation: The ‘Hidden’ Decarbonisation Tool

Route planning, idle time, fleet telematics, and the small daily decisions that reduce fuel and emissions.

1:04:30 - Battery Performance, Temperature Impacts and Real-World Range Modelling
How Volvo forecasts range using topography, historic traffic data, temperature profiles and aerodynamics.

1:10:10 - Looking Ahead: What the Next Decade Will Bring

Predictions on:

• Uptake of electric trucks
• Hydrogen’s likely role
• Growth of HVO
• How often EV trucks will be seen on Australian roads

1:15:00 - Final Thoughts from Corbin

Why the transition is gaining momentum, and why fit-for-purpose solutions will be critical.

Guest Bio - Corbin Luther

Corbin Luther is the E-Mobility Solutions Specialist at Volvo Group Australia, where he works directly with fleets, operators, and Volvo’s dealer network to support the transition to electric trucks. With a background in transport operations and fleet management, Corbin combines technical insight with deep knowledge of real-world trucking applications, ensuring customers put the right truck on the right job and adopt EVs in a way that is operationally sound, commercially sensible, and driver-friendly.

Website: volvotrucks.com.au
Corbin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbin-luther-2598651b7/
Volvo Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volvo-group/

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Nathan Blundell, Chief Development Officer at Windlab. Together, they explore how one of Australia’s leading renewable energy developers is raising the bar for wind and hybrid projects nationwide. They discuss Windlab’s journey from CSIRO spin-out to a fully integrated developer, the realities of project timelines and approvals, best-practice community engagement, biodiversity net gain, grid connection challenges, and two major Queensland projects set to shape the next phase of Australia’s clean-energy transition.

Episode topics & timestamps
00:00 - Welcome: How Windlab began, its CSIRO origins, and the evolution of wind development in Australia
02:05 - The integrated model: From mapping wind to delivering and operating full-scale renewable projects
05:10 - Development lifecycle: Why five to ten years is realistic and how early community engagement reduces risk
08:30 - Data and bankability: From LiDAR and met masts to ensuring project certainty
11:10 - Community engagement: Listening before telling, regional focus, and building trust early
16:05 - Common community concerns: Managing change, benefits, and consultation fatigue
19:40 - Industry reputation: Why one poor project can tarnish the whole sector. Windlab’s focus on raising the bar.
22:20 - Approvals and the EPBC process: Reform, complexity, and the need for certainty
26:50 - Biodiversity net gain: Practical examples from Windlab’s Gawara Baya project in North Queensland
30:00 - Site selection: Wind profile, demand centres, grid constraints, and coexistence with agriculture
33:15 – Technology improvements and turbine scale: 6-8MW turbines, 150m hub heights, and the limits of logistics
37:10 - Construction logistics: Workforce, site access, and the legacy benefits of upgraded infrastructure
40:00 - Rising costs: Global pressures, local solutions, and the power of competitive procurement
44:00 - Grid innovation: Turning connection risk into advantage with in-house grid engineering
48:10 - Project pipeline: Gawara Baya and Bungaban projects —Queensland’s next major renewable builds
52:00 - Policy reform: Implementing EPBC changes and “finding a way to do the good things that we must do”
55:00 - The decade ahead: Delivery, scale, and getting match-fit for the 2030s
57:30 - Follow Windlab: Staying informed via LinkedIn, project websites, and newsletters

Guest bio
Nathan Blundell is the Chief Development Officer at Windlab, leading a $30 billion portfolio and 20 GW development pipeline across Australia. Since joining in 2021, Nathan has overseen some of the nation’s most significant renewable energy projects, including the North Queensland Super Hub, Bungaban Wind, which secured Australia’s largest renewable PPA and Gawara Baya, the first project in the country designed around a biodiversity net-gain strategy. With over 20 years in the global energy sector, Nathan brings deep industry insight and a strong commitment to doing renewables the right way - delivering projects that respect Country, support communities, and protect the planet.

Links
Windlab: windlab.com
Nathan Blundell (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/nathan-blundell-b1601142
Windlab (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/windlab

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Michael van Baarle, Executive Chairman & Co-founder of ABEL Energy. Together they unpack green methanol’s role in decarbonising heavy transport, covering the Bell Bay project, sustainable carbon sourcing, hydrogen, electrolyser choices, shipping demand and bunkering, project scale-up, and the policy and investment steps on the road to 2029/30.

Episode topics & timestamps
00:00 - Welcome: Why methanol belongs in the clean-fuels toolkit; episode overview.
02:10 - Methanol 101: CH₃OH, its uses, and why being a liquid matters for storage, handling, and retrofits.
06:05 - Shipping’s 3% problem: Clean combustion benefits, particularly near ports; the path from emissions control zones to green fuels.
10:00 - Carbon sources at scale: Biomass today, atmospheric CO₂ tomorrow—and the sustainability guardrails.
14:25 - Bell Bay “stack” of advantages: Green grid, plantation residues, deep-water berth, workforce, and power connection.
18:40 - Project scale: Why ABEL Energy sized Bell Bay to ~360,000 tpa—and how scale drives cost down.
23:15 - Global demand signals: New methanol-capable ships, bunkering hubs like Singapore, and meeting EU maritime rules.
28:05 - Technology choices: Bankability of tech, electrolyser selection, gasification.
33:20 - Water & utilities: Cooling vs. electrolysis demand; options for sourcing and treatment on site.
36:10 - Townsville pathway: “Reverse battery” flexibility, partnering with renewables, and behind-the-meter models.
41:00 - Policy & economics: Hydrogen production incentives, timelines to FID/operations, and why timing matters.
46:00 - Road to 2029/30: Funding, FEED readiness, and de-risking first-of-a-kind at Australian scale.
50:15 - What’s next: How listeners can follow ABEL Energy and help champion a new export industry.

Guest bio
Michael van Baarle is the Executive Chairman & Co-founder of ABEL Energy, an Australian industrial project developer focused on producing green methanol using green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources. With nearly two decades across energy and infrastructure in Australia and the U.S., including methanol and DME, Michael co-founded ABEL Energy to catalyse a domestic green-methanol industry and position Australia as a regional supplier for clean shipping fuels and low-carbon chemicals.

Links
ABEL Energy: abelenergy.com.au
Michael van Baarle (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/michael-van-baarle-21994022/
ABEL Energy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/company/abelenergy/

In this episode of Exploring Clean Energy, Andy is joined by Hannah Monaghan, Boeing’s Australia Lead for Sustainability Reporting & Governance. Together they unpack aviation’s decarbonisation pathway, discussing everything from Hydrogen, SAF, Electric flight, aircraft design and operational efficiencies.

Hannah’s Highlights:

1:05 - Boeing in Australia & NZ: 98+ years, ~4,500 people, Melbourne composites, RAAF sustainment
3:50 - Why decarbonise aviation: ~2% of emissions today, APAC demand set to grow
6:15 - Boeing’s pillars: fleet renewal, advanced tech, operational efficiency, renewable energy, market measures
9:40 - Aircraft lifecycles (30–40 yrs) and retrofits: winglets, 787 curved wings, 777X folding tips
13:20 - Certification reality: safety testing - why it takes time
15:30 - Ops efficiency wins: smarter arrivals, single-engine taxi, collaboration with airports & ATC
18:10 – Carbon offsets to removals: CORSIA basics, first ocean-based removals MOU; green hydrogen by-product
21:05 - SAF 101: drop-in fuel, HEFA pathway, feedstocks (UCO, ag residues, MSW)
24:30 - Where SAF is today: blends to 50% certified across Boeing fleet; pathway to 100%
27:10 - Supply, policy & refineries: keeping feedstock onshore; AU & NZ outlooks
31:00 - Turnarounds & infrastructure: why SAF fits current refuelling ops; blending mandates
33:40 - Electric & hydrogen: use-cases, grid “greenness”, long-haul constraints for Australia
38:10 - Cascade 2.0: open modelling to test SAF, hydrogen, electric and grid scenarios
41:20 - Materials & circularity: composites, cabin “one-percenters” (lightweight recycled carpets)
44:30 - Barriers & opportunities: stackable incentives, global harmonisation, jobs & fuel security
48:10 - Final take: now is the moment - coordination across industry, government and communities

About Hannah

Hannah Monaghan is the Australia Lead for Sustainability Reporting & Governance within Boeing’s Global Enterprise Sustainability team (since Jan 2024). She joined Boeing in 2022 in Government Affairs after roles advising Australia’s Federal Minister for the Environment and the NSW Minister for Family & Community Services. An organic chemist by training, Hannah holds a Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry from UTS.

Connect with Hannah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-monaghan-392249133/

Links

• Boeing - https://www.boeing.com/
• Boeing on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boeing/
• Boeing on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/boeing/
• Cascade (aviation decarbonisation modelling) - https://cascade.boeing.com/
• Australia Aviation Outlook (Cascade) - https://cascade.boeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Australia-Aviation-Outlook.pdf
• Boeing Hydrogen Factsheet - https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/principles/sustainability/assets/pdf/Hydrogen_Factsheet.pdf
• CSIRO–Boeing SAF Roadmap (2023) - https://www.boeing.com.au/news/2023/csiro-boeing-roadmap-charts-flight-path-to-sustainable-skies
• SAF State of Play (2024 update) - https://www.boeing.com.au/content/dam/boeing/en-au/pdf/boeing-and-csiro-saf-state-of-play-report-2024.pdf
• Wisk (autonomous electric air taxi) - https://wisk.aero/

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Episode Overview

In this episode, Andy Marsland sits down with Neil McDonald, CEO of Gold Hydrogen, to unpack an exciting investment announcement and explore the future of natural hydrogen and helium in Australia. From historical discoveries that have led to cutting-edge drilling programs, this conversation dives deep into the potential of hydrogen as a clean, cost-effective energy source, and how helium (including the rare helium-3) could revolutionise industries from quantum computing to power generation and transportation.

Neil McDonald is co-founder and Managing Director of Gold Hydrogen, one of the first companies in the world to confirm that high natural hydrogen deposits exist underground. Gold Hydrogen is now leading the race to commercialise hydrogen, a near carbon-zero energy source which would impact worldwide zero emissions targets.

Gold Hydrogen is also progressing helium opportunities, as the hydrogen tests also produced strong helium showings, one of the first major finds in a non-petroleum area.

Neil has more than 20 years of extensive commercial experience in the energy and minerals sectors and has helped commercialise some of Australia’s largest exploration projects for private and public companies.

What You’ll Learn

• The origins of Gold Hydrogen and its pioneering work in natural hydrogen exploration
• Why South Australia’s geology is uniquely suited for hydrogen and helium extraction
• The significance of helium-3 and its astronomical value
• How natural hydrogen compares to green hydrogen in terms of cost, carbon footprint, and scalability
• Insights into Gold Hydrogen’s strategic partnerships with Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and ENEOS Xplora 
• The roadmap to commercial production and the role of infrastructure in scaling operations

Key Takeaways

• Natural hydrogen could be produced for under $1/kg, making it significantly cheaper than manmade alternatives
• Gold Hydrogen has confirmed helium purity levels of 36.9%, the highest ever reported globally
• Helium-3, valued at $15 million/kg, has been found in elevated levels in their wells
• The company’s exploration acreage spans 78,000+ square kilometres, with potentially enough hydrogen to power South Australia for 40+ years

 Resources & Links

• www.goldhydrogen.com.au
• Gold Hydrogen Investor Hub
• Gold Hydrogen on LinkedIn
• Press Release: Strategic Investment Announcement

If you’re as excited about the future of clean energy as we are, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information or to connect with Gold Hydrogen, check out the links above.

Discussions of Green Iron, Green Ammonia and Dual-fuel heavy transport

Stephen Archer:
 

Stephen Archer is the CEO of Warradarge Energy, a company leading the development of renewable hydrogen projects in Western Australia. Warradarge’s portfolio of projects covers diesel displacement, green iron, and green ammonia offtake markets. The company focuses on strong renewable resources and addressable offtake markets as a strategic focus. Stephen has spent over a decade in renewable energy and hydrogen project development, financing and execution. Most recently serving as WA State Manager for BP’s renewable energy division – where he developed over 2.6GW of grid-connected Solar, Wind and Battery projects, including Australia’s largest single-stage solar farm, and the renewable generation assets attached to some of the largest green hydrogen projects currently in development. 

Episode Summary

In this episode, Andy Marsland speaks with Stephen Archer, CEO of Warradarge Energy, about the company’s innovative approach to renewable hydrogen projects in Western Australia. They explore Warradarge’s three major initiatives: green hydrogen production, dual-fuel trucking technology, and green iron manufacturing. The conversation highlights the importance of pragmatic, scalable solutions in Australia’s energy transition.

­­­Topics & Highlights

1. Warradarge’s Mission and Strategy

• Developer of hydrogen projects in WA’s Midwest region.
• Focus on upstream and downstream market alignment.
• Three active projects: hydrogen production, dual-fuel logistics, and green iron.

2. Green Hydrogen Production

• 25 MW electrolyzer connected behind-the-meter to a 300 MW wind farm.
• Utilizes curtailed energy for hydrogen production.
• Targeting diesel displacement with identified offtake customers.

3. Dual-Fuel Trucking Technology

• Partnership with Newhaul and Fenix Resources.
• Retrofitting trucks to blend hydrogen into diesel intake.
• 30–40% diesel displacement; scalable and reversible.
• Technology developed by HW Richardson in New Zealand.

4. Green Iron Initiative

• Co-development of a 750–1000 MW hydrogen project for green iron production.
• Collaboration with Athena and Fenix Resources.
• Briquetting magnetite concentrate using renewable energy and hydrogen.
• Potential to offset ~4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

5. Challenges and Policy Needs

• Demand-side policy gaps and international collaboration hurdles.
• Hydrogen’s role as a “Swiss Army knife” – versatile but not universal.
• Importance of realism and pragmatism in project development.

6. Future Outlook

• Stage 1 construction planned for 2026.
• Stage 2 (green iron) targeted for 2030.
• Stage 3 (green ammonia export) in early development.

Notable Quotes

“Every achievement worth talking about was declared impossible before it was done.” – Stephen Archer
 “Hydrogen will assist, not replace everything.” – Stephen Archer

Links:

https://warradarge.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/warradarge-energy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-archer/