The AHC said it recognises the important role that hydrogen can play in a low-carbon and clean energy future, and will endeavour to collaborate with key organisations to explore its potential use across Australia, share information and facilitate project partnerships to fast-track the deployment of hydrogen technologies.
The AHC has new partnerships with five industry bodies: Bioenergy Australia, the Clean Energy Council, the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, the Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Association and the New Zealand Hydrogen Association.
These new partnerships are in addition to AHC’s existing MoUs with H2Korea, Energy Networks Australia and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
AHC CEO, Dr Fiona Simon, said that collaborating with national and international partners is vital, particularly at this stage of the emerging hydrogen industry.
“Members of the AHC are leading hydrogen projects that will revolutionise how we produce and use energy for generations to come,” Dr Simon said.
“We need local and international partnerships to grow the global hydrogen industry, and to meet Australia’s own goal to be a major hydrogen exporter and get to ‘H2 under 2’.
“These MoUs will help the AHC stay connected to – and work with – other related industries, which will increase Australia’s access to global research and relevant insights.
“Both the APAC region and Canada are home to incredible hydrogen research and developing industries.
“Working together, we can share policy and technology options that will help fast-track industry development.
“This series of agreements signal our shared objective, and the objective of our members, and I look forward to working with these bodies in the near future.”
Michael Helleman, Head, Energy and New Energy Technologies (a/g), at Austrade, said, “Given the potential of hydrogen to generate jobs and growth, Austrade has prioritised support for activities seeking to attract productive foreign direct investment and bring new technology into the sector.
“The work of the Australian Hydrogen Council and its members in growing international partnerships in the sector will be of key importance in accelerating the growth of the hydrogen industry.
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, said that the opportunity for hydrogen in Australia is enormous.
“There is growing momentum for the development of large-scale, clean hydrogen, given Australia’s riches of wind and sun – particularly for the export market,” Mr Thornton said.
“The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) says that with the right conditions, hydrogen exports could be worth $1.7 billion annually and generate 2,800 jobs in Australia by 2030.
“This would generate both substantial export revenue and significant benefits to the domestic economy – all while lowering our carbon emissions.
“This collaboration with the Australian Hydrogen Council will enable greater discussion and information sharing, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the nation’s clean energy transition.”
The AHC said that the partnership with the Clean Energy Council is a positive step in their efforts to scale Australia’s hydrogen economy.
“This collaboration with the Clean Energy Council will allow us to support the growing number of organisations exploring the benefits of hydrogen and put Australia’s hydrogen industry on the map,” Ms Simon said.
“We know that hydrogen has the potential to provide high volumes of energy to industry, create jobs and grow large-scale export income which has become increasingly important as we navigate through a global pandemic.
“Together, we can work to ensure we have the policies in place to activate the market and build a competitive hydrogen industry that benefits all Australians.”
