Australia and UK strengthen partnership by announcing co-funding for hydrogen projects
The Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnerships aim to drive advancements in hydrogen technologies, helping to decarbonise industries and create job opportunities.
Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Keir Starmer have announced new efforts to foster cooperation between Australia and the United Kingdom in the hydrogen sector, aiming to advance renewable hydrogen production and innovation. Meeting on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on 25 October, the leaders outlined a plan to leverage both private and government resources to support the transition to clean energy, focusing particularly on hydrogen's role in hard-to-abate industries and heavy transport.
The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership, a framework announced by the leaders, includes the established three-year funding program called the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnerships. Through this initiative, Australian companies can access up to $10 million in funding to collaborate with UK organisations on hydrogen research, development, and demonstration projects.
Supported by Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy, the projects aim to reduce costs in hydrogen production, industrial decarbonisation, and the transition to net-zero technologies. The program also contributes to Australia's commitments under international climate agreements, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
Albanese described the shared goals of the partnership: “We had a productive discussion, including agreeing to negotiate a new climate and energy partnership. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net-zero transition and build on our long-standing cooperation on international climate action and shared commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”
The Australian Government has awarded grants to six companies through this program, each advancing hydrogen technologies in critical areas:
- Rux Energy Pty Limited received $2 million for the HyZEM project, focusing on hydrogen storage and power systems for zero-emission maritime vessels.
- HAMR Energy Pty Ltd was awarded $446,834 to explore green methanol production through supercritical water electrolysis.
- Hydgene Renewables Pty Ltd received $1,125,000 for decentralised, on-farm green hydrogen and ammonia production.
- Carefreesourcing Pty Ltd was granted $1,396,416 to investigate hydrogen production using floating photovoltaic (PV) systems and unpurified water electrolysis.
- Hadean Energy Limited received $833,000 for the Hy-PACT project, which aims to improve hydrogen production affordability and traceability in the supply chain.
- Australia Sunlight Group Pty Ltd was awarded $1,859,999 to accelerate low-carbon hydrogen production and storage capabilities.
Beyond hydrogen, the two leaders discussed trade gains under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement and the UK’s upcoming membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is expected to create additional trade opportunities in the region.
Albanese concluded, “We share a vision for a modern and transformed Australia-United Kingdom relationship, which delivers tangible benefits and prosperity to both our nations and the Indo-Pacific.”
