According to a comprehensive analysis by Geoscience Australia, Australia can be a world leader in the supply of hydrogen.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Matt Canavan, has used his trade mission to the Republic of Korea to release Geoscience Australia’s report for the National Hydrogen Strategy, Prospective hydrogen production regions of Australia, which identifies the regions in Australia that have high potential for hydrogen production.
“We have the resources, know-how, infrastructure and research base to produce and supply clean hydrogen to the world, and this report shows every Australian state and territory has regions with excellent prospects for hydrogen production,” Mr Canavan said.
“There are more than 200,000km2 of land rated as having great prospects for supporting renewable hydrogen production, confirming our potential for hydrogen production.”
Mr Canavan has also signed a Letter of Intent that Australia will collaborate with South Korea and develop a Hydrogen Action Plan by the end of the year.
“I’ll be using my time in South Korea to promote our outstanding potential as a hydrogen supplier with the South Korean Government and company executives,” Mr Canavan said.
“I’ll explain how Australia has been investing heavily in hydrogen projects and outline our National Hydrogen Strategy, which will map out the steps we can take to develop a sustainable and commercial hydrogen industry.”
Under the Letter of Intent with South Korea, the planned Hydrogen Action Plan will promote hydrogen cooperation under existing energy and resources bilateral agreements.
Mr Canavan will further reinforce Australia’s capacity to grow its hydrogen sector when he addresses the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo.
Angus Taylor, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, welcomed the findings of the report and said hydrogen was uniquely placed to provide reliable power through storage and transport of energy.
“Hydrogen has the potential to be a major new industry over coming decades, similar to the scale of the LNG industry in Australia,” Mr Taylor said.
“The development of our hydrogen resources could also create new Australian jobs and an export industry valued in the billions.
“The Government has already invested more than $140 million into hydrogen projects, partnering with industry to develop tangible solutions that are important for bringing down energy prices while keeping the lights on for Australian households and small businesses.”
The National Hydrogen Strategy is expected to be released by the end of 2019.
