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Energy Storage
Scandium-based alloy technology for solid-state hydrogen storage
The Energy Storage program represents a strategic technology initiative focused on hydrogen storage and broader energy applications, underpinned by proprietary scandium-based alloy development and independent validation. At the core of the program is Australian Mines’ Metal Hydrides technology, which uses scandium-based alloys to absorb, store and release hydrogen safely and efficiently.
Testing has confirmed hydrogen absorption performance and repeatable cycling characteristics, highlighting potential across a range of hydrogen storage and energy applications. As demand for advanced energy storage solutions grows, the program provides exposure to downstream technology, with success offering the potential to unlock additional value across Australian Mines’ broader critical metals portfolio.
Australian Mines has developed a proprietary scandium-magnesium ternary alloy, designated MH-May24, for solid-state hydrogen storage in collaboration with the Amrita Centre for Research and Development. The alloy has been independently validated by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Materials Advanced Research Consortium (HyMARC), with testing conducted at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). HyMARC members include NREL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. HyMARC confirmed previously announced performance parameters and observed that MH-May24 can be repeatedly hydrogenated and dehydrogenated, supporting its potential use in practical hydrogen storage and long-duration energy applications.
Key ASX Announcements
- HyMARC Testing Confirms Hydrogen Storage Potential
- Patent Submissions — Solid State Hydrogen Storage
Related
Key Highlights
5.2 wt%
Hydrogen absorption at 200°C
< 4 min
Time to absorb 4.2 wt% hydrogen at 200°C
HyMARC
Independently validated by U.S. DOE consortium (NREL)
Repeatable
Hydrogenation and dehydrogenation cycling confirmed
Value Drivers
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Further independent validation of alloy performance
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Progress toward pilot-scale or prototype development
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Strategic partnerships in hydrogen and energy storage technologies
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Increasing demand for hydrogen storage and advanced energy-storage solutions
Performance Parameters
Under isothermal conditions at a pressure of 38 bar, the MH-May24 alloy:
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Absorbs 5.2 wt% hydrogen at 200°C
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Absorbs 4.2 wt% hydrogen at 200°C in less than 4 minutes
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Absorbs up to 4.7 wt% hydrogen at 100°C
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Absorbs hydrogen at room temperature
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Under isothermal conditions of 250°C and at vacuum (<0.5 bar), desorbs 5 wt% hydrogen in approximately 3.3 hours
HyMARC assessed absorption capacity, hydrogenation and dehydrogenation kinetics, energy density by volume and weight, and thermodynamic characteristics. Further samples have been provided for ongoing evaluation.
What This Means
These results show that the alloy can store hydrogen efficiently, absorb it rapidly, and release it in a controlled manner suitable for practical energy-storage applications. Importantly, once absorbed, the hydrogen remains stored within the metal hydride until release is required, allowing hydrogen to be retained for extended periods.
These characteristics are important for applications where energy may need to be stored safely and reliably over extended periods before use, including stationary energy storage for AI data centres and critical infrastructure back-up requirements.
Supply Chain Integration
Unlike pure research plays, Australian Mines controls the scandium feedstock through its Sconi and Flemington projects:
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Sconi (QLD): Scandium oxide as a by-product of nickel-cobalt production
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Flemington (NSW): A globally significant high-grade scandium deposit (6.3 Mt @ 446 ppm Sc)
This creates a potential mine-to-energy-storage value chain, with Australian Mines supplying both raw materials and proprietary alloy technology.
Why It Matters
The Energy Storage program provides Australian Mines with exposure to downstream energy-storage technology, creating a strategic link between the Company’s scandium resources and emerging energy storage applications. This positioning allows Australian Mines to participate across the value chain from resource to application.
