The Government has selected a consortium led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Deloitte and Baringa Partners as the Australian partners to advance the future development of a hydrogen supply chain between Australia and Germany.
The announcement follows the signing of a landmark agreement in mid-September under which the two counties have agreed to explore opportunities for future collaboration on commercial scale operations and investments in hydrogen production.
Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the Australian consortium will work with peers in Germany to analyse the entire hydrogen supply chain (production, storage, transport, recovery and use) to establish how Australia can best deliver renewable hydrogen to Germany.
“Partnering with future importers of hydrogen, such as Germany, will be critical to growing demand for Australian hydrogen and accelerating industry development,” Minister Birmingham said.
“This study will help build on existing hydrogen collaborations Australia has with other key energy trading partners including Japan, the Republic of Korea and most recently Singapore, all of which will be critical to building a world-leading hydrogen industry right here in Australia.”
Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the study – which will also consider opportunities for trade of technological innovations that could transform the value chains between the countries – would help pave Australia’s path to becoming a powerhouse in hydrogen production and exports.
“Investment in clean hydrogen through international cooperation is critical to growing an Australian hydrogen industry, delivering jobs, strengthening our economy, and reducing emissions,” Minister Taylor said.
“This international partnership will help to lower the price of hydrogen, which will get us closer to our goal in the Technology Investment Roadmap of producing hydrogen for under $2 per kilogram.
“Reaching this goal will help us to become the obvious partner of choice for hydrogen across the globe.”
Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt said the Government is providing $363,000 to the consortium to deliver the study, with the Australian consortia contributing $1,103,000 of in-kind and cash contributions.
He said Australia has all the key ingredients to become a global player in the fast-growing clean hydrogen industry.
“We have abundant land, abundant energy resources and extensive carbon storage reservoirs, coupled with long standing experience and an excellent track record and reputation as a global energy exporter,” the Minister concluded.
