Brisbane, Australia: The Australian Hydrogen Council has congratulated the Australian Government on the launch of Australia’s new national hydrogen strategy and the signing of a new bilateral auction agreement with Germany at the Asia Pacific Hydrogen Summit and Exhibition in Brisbane this morning.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Hon Chris Bowen MP and State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Anja Hajduk today signed a bilateral agreement under the H2Global mechanism for $660m of shared investment in Australian hydrogen projects.
This joint funding will be available over the next ten years, to support new commercial supply and access to the European market through guaranteed offtake agreements. Industry consultation is expected on the design and specifications of the trade window.
Minister Bowen also announced a new agreement with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Education and Research to deliver a new Green Metals for Sustainable Steel initiative that will focus on how Australian green iron can support decarbonisation of Germany’s economy.
CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council Dr Fiona Simon said:
“The launch of the new National Hydrogen Strategy today marks a new chapter in our journey, and we are delighted to see Minister Bowen match this strategic plan with strong investment through these new bilateral agreements.
“Over the past two days, we have heard from hydrogen developers about the barriers to progressing hydrogen projects in Australia, and one challenge is demand. Participation in the H2Global scheme formally secures a place for Australian producers to be part of the EU’s targets for import of clean molecules.
“We are also pleased to see new bilateral research support for green metals. This is a perfect example of two nations collaboratively working together to develop solutions and share information to support decarbonisation of some of the world’s hardest to abate sectors.
“AHC looks forward to contributing further on the design of the H2Global scheme, and continue working with the German and Australian governments through our advisory work and international partnerships.”
You can download Australia’s new National Hydrogen Strategy here.
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You can download the full PDF of this media release here.
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.