Melbourne, Australia: The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of a $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund to boost green iron manufacturing and supply chains.
Up to $500 million has been earmarked to support the Whyalla steelworks transformation, shoring up local jobs and helping with the energy transition.
At least $500 million will be open to applicants around Australia and will be accessible for both existing facilities and greenfield projects.
CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council Dr Fiona Simon said:
“The joint announcements by the Federal and South Australian Governments in Whyalla yesterday provide good news for this important region, providing a pathway to stability and helping secure a future for Australia’s green iron and steel capabilities.
“AHC supports the difficult decision made by the South Australian Government and remains committed to working with the Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia to progress hydrogen opportunities that can decarbonise heavy industry.
“AHC has been strongly advocating for demand-side policies to kickstart key markets for clean and green hydrogen that align with the Future Made in Australia and National Hydrogen Strategy priorities, such as green metals.
“We are pleased to see the Federal Government announce the $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund yesterday. This is a positive step that will help prepare Whyalla’s iron production facilities for the future, and provide opportunities for other early mover green iron projects across the nation.
“Hydrogen is an important feedstock to produce green iron. It’s incredibly important that hydrogen, and demand-side policy and incentives such as the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, Hydrogen Headstart, and the Green Iron Investment Fund, can work together to close the commercial gap and ensure we can keep manufacturing in Australia and maintain and grow export opportunities.”
About Australian Hydrogen Council
The Australian Hydrogen Council is the peak representative body for the Australian hydrogen industry, with members from across the hydrogen value chain. We represent the emerging hydrogen industry and connect it with its stakeholders to collectively create a clean and resilient energy future that has hydrogen as a key part of the energy mix. Read more at www.h2council.com.au.
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