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Australia says large-scale production of renewable hydrogen is critical to it becoming a global hydrogen leader.
Announced in the 2023/24 budget, the programme will support large-scale renewable hydrogen projects by bridging the gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and its market price.
The six shortlisted projects represent a total electrolyser capacity of more than 3.5GW. Funding recipients will be announced in the second half of 2024.
Among the six applicants, Murchison Hydrogen Renewables’ 5GW plant in Western Australia will be powered by a 550-turbine onshore wind farm and a 7,000 hectare solar farm.
Kepco Australia’s Port of Newcastle green hydrogen project, aiming to serve major industries in the region, will integrate clean energy production and storage with the Hunter’s hydrogen hub gateway projects, plus renewable energy zones and offshore wind developments across New South Wales (NSW).
Origin Future Energy’s Hunter Valley hydrogen hub will either develop new renewable generation assets or enter into long-term power purchase agreements with NSW renewable energy developers to secure the energy required for the project.
Of the three other shortlisted projects, Stanwell Corporation’s Central Queensland hydrogen project will be powered by solar, HIF Asia Pacific’s Tasmanian e-fuels project will use mixed renewables, largely from local biomass, while BP Low Carbon Australia’s H2 Kwinana project will buy renewable energy from the grid.
Minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen said: “Renewable hydrogen is crucial to reach net zero, while creating economic opportunities for regional Australia.”
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