The future looks bright for Australia’s clean hydrogen industry as three large-scale hydrogen plants were recently approved by the Government.
Three companies were awarded $100 million in conditional funding through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round. The funding will help build three 10MW electrolysers in Victoria and Western Australia, making the hydrogen plants some of the largest ever built in the world.
Engie Renewables Australia Pty Ltd’s project will use renewable hydrogen to produce ammonia for export. Meanwhile, the projects of ATCO Australia Pty Ltd and Australian Gas Networks Limited will use renewable energy to produce hydrogen for gas blending into the existing natural gas pipelines.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the funding will fast-track the construction of projects that will provide new economic and employment opportunities in regional Australia.
The projects are expected to create more than 210 jobs during their construction. Likewise, the National Hydrogen Strategy predicts the Australian hydrogen industry could generate about 8,000 jobs and $11 billion a year in GDP by 2050.
“These projects show how our existing ammonia industry and gas pipeline network will be crucial to the future clean hydrogen sector. This will be key to bringing down the cost of renewable hydrogen production and distribution,” Minister Taylor said.
“Not only will these projects allow for new export opportunities, but they will build up domestic demand so we are able to reduce emissions both here at home and overseas.”
Hydrogen is a priority technology under the Technology Investment Roadmap with the Government providing support of up to $850 million for hydrogen projects since 2015. It is also planned that $539.2 million will be invested for the development of four additional hydrogen hubs and support for carbon capture, use and storage projects.
“The Morrison Government is committed to building a clean and competitive hydrogen industry in Australia, and these projects are a huge step towards Australia cementing its place as a world leader,” Minister Taylor said.