Queensland To Power the Hydrogen Highway with Investment of A$19 Million on Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy

The Palaszczuk Government has reinforced its commitment to developing a world-class sustainable hydrogen industry, releasing the new $19 million Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019–2024.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said hydrogen has the potential to be Queensland’s next LNG, and a new source of highly-skilled jobs, especially in regional Queensland.

“In the Sixties it was the Space Race,” the Premier said.

“This century is all about energy.

“Queensland is at the forefront of hydrogen development.

“We aim to keep it that way.”

On her Trade Mission to Tokyo earlier this week, the Premier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with resources investment group Japan Oil, Gas and Metals Corp (JOGMEC) to include continued co-operation developing hydrogen.

Queensland’s new hydrogen strategy focuses on five areas:

• supporting innovation
• facilitating private investment
• effective policy frameworks
• building community awareness and
• facilitating skills development.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the state’s investment – $15 million of which will support an industry development fund – will ensure the growth of a hydrogen industry in Queensland.

“Our five-year plan will help drive the development of an economically sustainable and competitive hydrogen industry in Queensland, creating more highly skilled jobs and export opportunities,” Mr Dick said.

“The energy production from renewable hydrogen is something that has long been possible, however, conditions are now more favourable for this industry to develop locally.

“Global demand for hydrogen is increasing, with the market expected to reach $US155 billion by 2022, and much of that will be driven by Asia-Pacific markets.

“I’m confident that in partnership with industry, universities and research institutes, we can develop a world-class renewable hydrogen industry here in Queensland.”

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said Queensland’s vision was to be at the forefront of renewable hydrogen production by 2030, and the strategy will assist in achieving this goal.

“This global transition to a low-carbon future presents tremendous opportunities for Queensland,” Mr Butcher said.

“Our state has all the pre-requisites needed to support a renewable hydrogen industry, including solar, wind and biomass, a pro-business government, existing gas pipeline infrastructure, and first-class export facilities, and we’re eager to take advantage of our position.”

SynBio General Manager (Renewable Technologies) Ben Tabulo said the Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy was a significant step in the right direction.

“We are supporting this strategy as we believe it will have great benefits for Queensland,” Mr Tabulo said.

“The production of hydrogen is a key priority for Gladstone. Apart from enormous export opportunities, the investment announced today will accelerate access to cheaper domestically produced hydrogen.

“Lower energy costs mean increased productivity and more jobs. This is why SynBio and Northern Oil are currently working with the CSIRO to develop a technology that will capture hydrogen from our refining processes.

“Excess hydrogen will be made available for consumption within a hydrogen fuel cell to produce electricity to run our pilot plant.

“It’s green and clean, but importantly it makes strong economic sense,” he said.

“We applaud the efforts of the Queensland Government and look forward to seeing a sustainable and competitive hydrogen industry in Queensland.”

Mr Dick said Queensland is already active in the development of Australia’s national hydrogen strategy.

The development of a sustainable hydrogen industry has the potential to be as successful as the state’s liquified natural gas (LNG) industry.

“Japan is emerging as one of the major future users of hydrogen energy and its car industry has developed several hydrogen-powered cars,” he said.

“In March 2019, Queensland celebrated its first-ever delivery of green hydrogen to Japan, exported by JXTG with hydrogen produced at QUT’s solar cell facility at the Queensland Government’s Redlands Research Facility.

“Next week, I’ll be meeting with business leaders and energy companies in Tokyo.”

“Our challenge is to leverage our advantages and innovation to make the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen possible and ensure Queensland continues to be a first-class supplier of energy.”