Australia--Energy Ministers met in Adelaide for the 21st COAG Energy Council Meeting and of the many topics on the agenda was the one on Gas, hydrogen and appliances.
The Ministers agreed to develop a national hydrogen strategy for consideration by the end of 2019.
Establishment of the Hydrogen Working Group of the COAG Energy Council
Hydrogen presents a major opportunity for the Australian economy. The COAG Energy Council seeks to support the development of a clean, innovative and competitive hydrogen industry that benefits all Australians and is a major global player by 2030.
At its meeting on 19 December 2018, Energy Council agreed to establish a dedicated Working Group, chaired by the Chief Scientist, to lead activities that achieve this vision.
The Working Group will have six work streams: hydrogen exports; hydrogen for transport; hydrogen in the gas network; hydrogen for industrial users; hydrogen to support electricity systems; and cross-cutting issues.
Key priorities for the Working Group include developing a national hydrogen strategy for 2020-2030, and a co-ordinated approach to projects and programs that support industry development.
Joint Ministerial Statement: Hydrogen
- The Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Energy
- Senator the Hon Matt Canavan, Minister for Resources
- The Hon Don Harwin MLC, Minister for Resources, Minister for Energy and Utilities
- The Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change
- The Hon Jaclyn Symes MP, Minister for Resources, Regional Development and Agriculture
- The Hon Daniel van Holst Pellekaan MP, Minister for Energy and Mining
- The Hon Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
- The Hon Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Minister for Industrial Relations
- The Hon Sarah Courtney MP, Minister for Resources
- The Hon Guy Barnett MP, Minister for Energy, Minister for Resources
- Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
- The Hon Kenneth Vowles MLA, Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
- The Hon Nicole Manison MLA, Treasurer
We, the Commonwealth, state and territory energy and resources ministers, strongly support the development of a hydrogen industry in Australia. We believe that hydrogen has a key role to play in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and prosperous future.
We note the findings of the International Energy Agency and the World Energy Council, that Australia is potentially the world’s largest hydrogen producer. These echo the findings of the CSIRO’s Low Emissions Technology Roadmap and Hydrogen Roadmap, and the Chief Scientist’s Hydrogen for Australia’s Future report.
We support the vision laid out in these documents for a thriving hydrogen export industry, and for domestic use of hydrogen to provide greater consumer choice in energy and fuel sources. We note the potential for new jobs and new industries in regional areas.
We acknowledge the efforts made by individual jurisdictions to date to encourage the development and demonstration of hydrogen productions, logistics and end use. We value the work of pioneering Australian researchers and entrepreneurs, and overseas governments and investors who are already working to build an industry.
We recognise that building a commercial hydrogen industry requires jurisdictions to work together, in partnership with industry and the community, and with our export customers.
We commit to working together to:
- Develop and implement a national strategy for hydrogen, in close consultation with industry and the community
- Build our export markets and attract foreign investment through co-ordinated outreach to our trading partners.
- Deliver domestic projects, including investigating use of hydrogen in the gas networks, and scoping the need for hydrogen vehicle refuelling stations.
- Our vision is to make Australia a major player in a global hydrogen industry by 2030.
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