As Australia continues to shift towards a low emissions hydrogen future, the Western Australian Government has announced it will support investment by establishing a $10 million Renewable Hydrogen Fund to help facilitate private sector investment in the industry.
The state strategy sets four strategic focus areas: export, applications in remotely located industries, hydrogen blending in natural gas networks and transport using fuel cell electric vehicles.
The Western Australian Government will continue to work closely with the Federal Government and relevant bodies to support regulatory reform that will enable growth of the renewable hydrogen industry. A dedicated unit will coordinate the state’s work on growing the industry, both domestically and for export.
Regional Development Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, said the Renewable Hydrogen Strategy will put Western Australia at the forefront of what will be a major new global energy industry.
“This strategy builds on Western Australia’s renewables potential and global reputation as a leading exporter to position Western Australia as a key player in the future energy mix.
“Hydrogen is a means to export our world-class solar and wind resources, helping our international trading partners to meet their emissions reduction goals, as well as supporting our industries to transition to a lower carbon future and driving a new job-creating industry for our state.
“This is a major opportunity for Western Australia, however it will not occur without significant investment and lead times: this strategy and our Renewable Hydrogen Fund are the first steps down that path.
“We need to build our domestic hydrogen market and our skills base to drive the transition for our existing industries and capitalise on this opportunity for WA’s economy, supporting regional jobs and growth.
“We thank the Renewable Hydrogen Council and the CSIRO whose analysis and recommendations have informed this landmark strategy. The Council will remain in place to provide strategic advice to the Western Australian Government on the development of the industry.”
