The Federal Government has released guidelines for the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub program, which it says will deliver $70 million towards projects that accelerate the development of a hydrogen industry in North Queensland.
With matched funding, the region will see a $140 million investment in renewable hydrogen for our own use or to supply the rest of the world as fuel, energy generation and storage, or as a chemical feedstock, said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
“This is an important development for Australia and North Queensland. Australia is already one of the largest exporters of energy in the world; a thriving hydrogen industry here in North Queensland will be critical for us to become a renewable energy superpower as well,” the PM said.
“The hub will help secure jobs and economic growth in Queensland, delivering on one of our key commitments, and could also pave the way for exports to our valued trading partners in Japan, South Korea and across Asia.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said the region’s port facilities, workforce capacity, and proximity to Asian trading partners made it an ideal location for a green hydrogen hub.
“Green hydrogen will play a crucial role in Australia’s clean energy transformation and create jobs for technicians, tradespeople and engineers, as well as significant opportunities in related businesses and service industries,” he said.
“It is important that we support hard-to-abate sectors, including heavy industry and transport, to reduce their emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.
“These regional hubs will give our green hydrogen industry an early-stage springboard to scale, which will help to promote further growth and investment in clean technology.”
Producers, consumers, and potential exporters of hydrogen across industrial, transport, export and energy markets are eligible to apply for the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub program.
Guidelines are available at: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-hydrogen-hubs-town….
Grants from $30 million to $70 million will be available under an open and competitive application process when applications open in March.
Applicants will be assessed in two stages, with an initial open competitive process. This will be followed by a formal application process for shortlisted applicants.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will provide an information session for potential applicants in the coming months.
Register your interest at hydrogenprograms@industry.gov.au.
