Electric Power

Hydrogen Momentum Continues to Grow

hydrogen momentum continues to grow

With the establishment of hydrogen technology clusters announced and to be situated in Gladstone and Toowoomba, hydrogen momentum continues to grow. One of the major uses for hydrogen as part of a zero emission policy is as a power source for transport.

Long distance trucking is expected to move across to using technology like hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity on board a truck to power electric motors. One of the building blocks to make this a reality is the development of both green hydrogen production and a supply infrastructure to refuel trucks on the highway.

Queensland has signalled its intent in the rapidly growing hydrogen industry with the creation of two further hydrogen clusters in Gladstone and Toowoomba.

The announcement follows a $100,000 commitment from the Queensland Government through a partnership with NERA (National Energy Resources Australia) to establish the new clusters which will now work alongside the already established H2Q cluster in Brisbane.

The Queensland Government’s hydrogen industry strategy focusses on supporting innovation and facilitating skills development for new technology, recognising the importance of the clusters to deliver on their policies in the rapidly growing hydrogen industry.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Government’s funding will provide Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) with $50,000 each to progress their cluster strategies.

hydrogen momentum continues to grow

“Backing clusters in Gladstone and Toowoomba will drive the development of Queensland’s hydrogen supply chain in a way that delivers jobs for regional Queenslanders in areas like components and materials manufacturing for this new technology,” said the minister. “With our Hydrogen Industry Strategy and the support of NERA, the conversation has very much shifted from ‘if’ to ‘when’ commercially viable domestic and export-scale renewable hydrogen becomes a reality here in Queensland.” 

“If we can position Queensland as the hydrogen technology leader, innovator and exporter of this resource, we will well and truly cement out position as a renewable energy superpower.

“Queensland’s existing hydrogen cluster, H2Q, has already developed a detailed market analysis plan and is engaging with local businesses to develop new hydrogen technologies.” 

The initiative was officially announced at this week’s 2021 Australian Hydrogen Conference, the two new clusters join the Hydrogen Technology Cluster Australia (H2TCA), the national network of 13 clusters unveiled in February. 

Spearheaded by NERA, H2TCA is working to establish a global identity and a recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise. It is also aiding the development of the hydrogen supply chain, reduce overlaps and identify gaps in the development, deployment, and commercialisation of new hydrogen focused technologies. 

NERA CEO Miranda Taylor said today’s announcement shows the importance Queensland places on the potential for hydrogen energy.

“Today is yet another step along the road and a further indication of Australia’s capability in developing hydrogen technologies. These two new Queensland clusters will be able to work together with the existing H2Q cluster in Brisbane, as well as the other regional clusters in H2TCA, to ensure long-term local cohesion and sustainable capability across the emerging hydrogen value chain. Australia wants to be exporting more than just molecules.”

hydrogen momentum continues to grow

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