The Queensland government has passed legislation that will fast-track new industries and jobs and lead to billions of dollars in investment and export for the green hydrogen sector.
The Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 has been passed in Queensland Parliament, unlocking an estimated 10,000 jobs and $33 billion in economic activity by 2040.
As well as ensuring growth in new industry and an uplift in Queensland’s economy, the changes to legislation will better safeguard the state’s natural environment.
The Bill means renewable hydrogen and gases can be piped safely across Queensland and to global trade partners turning to Queensland to help decarbonise their heavy haulage, shipping, aviation and industry.
Already, more than 50 hydrogen projects are underway across the state, including the Stanwell Corporation-led CQ-H2: Central Queensland Hydrogen Project in Gladstone – set to deliver $17.2 billion in hydrogen exports over 30 years.
"Not only will green hydrogen be a game changer for the transport, heavy haulage, shipping, and aviation industries, which currently account for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s emissions – but it will also unlock a pipeline of new jobs in new industry," Queensland energy and renewables minister Mick de Brenni says.
"We’re delivering new regulations to make bottling Queensland’s sun, wind and water to help our international trading partners reach their net zero emissions commitments easier, while maintaining safety for everyone involved."
Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Simon says the council welcomes the regulatory reform in Queensland.
"This is critical for the hydrogen industry to plan and invest with confidence," Simon says.
"It is important that states and territories address legislative barriers and extend regulation where appropriate to support the safe production, transportation and use of hydrogen."
