Cotton, a primary ingredient in the global textiles and fashion industry, leaves an immense carbon footprint producing 2-4 tons of CO2 per hectare during production. But a groundbreaking venture in Australia is set to provide an environmentally friendly solution to the cultivation of cotton that could change the world of global suppliers and farmers.
A strategic partnership has been formed between Hiringa Energy, a trailblazing green hydrogen company, Sundown Pastoral Co., an agricultural and pastoral venture, and a certified B. Corp, the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has allocated more than 36 million dollars of financing. The partnership entails creating and operating a revolutionary renewable ammonia plant and a Green Hydrogen production plant located on a cotton farm in NSW.
The core of this project is the new method to generate green hydrogen using electrolysis, in which renewable electricity is harnessed to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. This non-emissions method begins a new era in producing sustainable energy. Another benefit is that it comes from low-carbon ammonia, a byproduct of the process with potential as a crop fertilizer.
Climate-positive cotton
As reported by the Australian newspaper ABC Rural News, a 27-megawatt solar power plant supports it and is anticipated to generate around 45,000 MWh of electricity annually. Its implications for this project are significant: the resulting hydrogen could replace more than 1.4 million liters of diesel fuel imported and immediately offset over 17000 tonnes of CO2 emission.
This initiative is a sign of Australia’s commitment to encourage environmentally friendly innovations and to pave the path for a brand new period that will ensure sustainable cotton production worldwide.