Melbourne, Australia: The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) today welcomes the opening of the second round of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Hydrogen Headstart Program, with up to $2 billion available to accelerate the development of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects in Australia.
This round will support hydrogen projects with a focus on high priority use cases that align with the Future Made in Australia agenda including hydrogen for green ammonia, iron and steel, alumina, and long-distance heavy transport including aviation and shipping.
Expressions of interest are now welcome with consideration for those that demonstrate innovative plant construction and design to reduce capital costs, improved efficiency of electrolysers and methods to reduce the cost of renewable electricity.
This builds on Hydrogen Headstart’s first round project recipients Murchison Green Hydrogen project and Orica’s Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub.
To access the program guidelines, click here.
CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council Dr Fiona Simon said:
“AHC is pleased to see the Australian Government moving ahead with the second round of Hydrogen Headstart, which provides vital funding for the large-scale renewable hydrogen projects that will play an important role in achieving Australia’s Net Zero Plan and industrial decarbonisation ambitions.
“We have worked in close collaboration with ARENA to share lessons from industry on the first round of Hydrogen Headstart, and pleased to see industry consultation on round two closely followed by the opening of expressions of interest today.
“Hydrogen Headstart together with the hydrogen production tax incentive and demand side incentives remain critical to bridge the commercial gap for hydrogen, attract private investment and build our sovereign capabilities.
“AHC is supporting hydrogen development and working in close collaboration with the heavy industries outlined as priority use cases in this funding round. We are also advocating for the shared infrastructure requirements needed for the clean energy transition.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Australian Government and ARENA to progress Hydrogen Headstart and the Future Made in Australia agenda including the highly anticipated opening of ARENA’s FMIA Innovation Fund.”
Expressions of interest are now open. More information can be found here.
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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.
You can download the full PDF here.