The ambition for leveraging hydrogen as an alternative energy source remains strong, despite waning enthusiasm in ASX-listed hydrogen shares in recent months.
More recently, Australian governments have committed capital towards a low-carbon future. The New South Wales government is one such example, having already put $70 million towards a hydrogen hub in its Hunter and Illawarra regions.
Last month, multinational energy company BP highlighted a study that indicated the potential for scaled-up green hydrogen in Western Australia. According to the study, the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia using renewable energy at scale in Australia had been deemed technically feasible.
Considering the emerging fundamentals for the energy alternative, now seems like a good time to revisit and review some ASX hydrogen shares.
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Catching up on ASX hydrogen shares
Hazer Group Ltd (ASX: HZR)
In the first couple of months of 2021, Hazer Group soared roughly 130% to $1.88 on the back of widespread hydrogen energy excitement. However, shares in the ASX hydrogen player have fallen to the wayside since then. At the time of writing, the Hazer share price is fetching $1.08 and is up 36% year-to-date (YTD).
The small-cap company is making an effort to commercialise a low-emission hydrogen and graphite production method. Currently, the construction of its plant at Water Corporation's Woodman Point Water Recovery Facility in Western Australia is in progress.
Interestingly, shares in the company entered a trading halt this morning as it seeks to raise $7 million in capital. This is despite its balance sheet comprising of $24.64 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the FY21 financial year.
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)
Although not your typical hydrogen share, Santos is worth a mention. The oil and gas giant — which is attempting to merge with Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) — has shared its interests in hydrogen in the past. In July, the $12.6 billion company revealed it had commenced a concept study on a hydrogen future for the Cooper Basin.
Additionally, CEO Kevin Gallagher has indicated that a successful merger would enable the company to fund its clean energy ventures. These potential ventures could include hydrogen projects at Moomba and Darwin, as part of its 2040 net-zero emissions target.
The Santos share price has fallen 5.8% so far in 2021. It appears investors have been grappling with the Oil Search merger, along with a recent emissions lawsuit.
Province Resources Ltd (ASX: PRL)
Next on the list, Province Resouces is most definitely the highest flyer on this ASX hydrogen share recap. The company is boldly striving to be Australia's first truly zero-carbon green hydrogen project. This mission has gained strong backing from investors, sending the share price 1,400% higher YTD.
In order to achieve this goal, Province is working on its HyEnergy Zero Carbon Hydrogen Project in the Gascoyne Region. Currently, the $175 million company is plodding along with its scoping study. At the same time, the upcoming hydrogen player has been conducting production price modelling for optimising its initial development.
Another promising sign, the company mentioned in August that it was in discussions with domestic offtake partners. These partners are in the transport and utility sectors. Additionally, Province Resources will be expanding discussions to potential international partners.
