Unlocking Australia’s hydrogen opportunity. Australia has the renewable energy resources, the technical skills, and the track record with international partners to become a global hydrogen leader.

Meeting Australia’s stated hydrogen objectives requires strong national leadership to plan, collaborate and communicate with partners and stakeholders. Government must drive and lead the creation of the clean hydrogen industry. With the world moving to net zero there is no real alternative.

Planning is vital
An Australian hydrogen industry will require largescale electrolysers, renewable electricity, hydrogen storage, water and water pipelines, electricity infrastructure, CCS as appropriate, and hydrogen pipelines (which may be repurposed from existing pipelines). Industrial and port facilities will need to be developed to process and export hydrogen and its derivatives, including ammonia. Mineral and chemical companies will invest in new production processes, and transport and logistics companies will procure new vehicle technologies. Refuelling stations will be required to supply hydrogen for vehicles. Households and businesses can convert from gas and oil-based fuels to hydrogen or electricity for heating and mobility.

Each of these elements will have its own costs, dependencies, and engineering reality, which in turn affects the business case for different means of producing, storing, transporting and using hydrogen. Several elements will also have long time frames for project design, feasibility and planning.

Read the full report here.