Recap: Australia fires up hydrogen sector at Asia Pacific Summit 2024
Australia’s participation in the Asia Pacific Hydrogen Summit 2024 reinforced its position as a leader in the development of renewable hydrogen, while its partnerships and strategies set the groundwork for further growth in the industry.
The Asia Pacific Hydrogen Summit 2024, held in Brisbane, Queensland, on 12–13 September shone a spotlight onto Australia’s growing role in the renewable hydrogen sector. The event attracted participants from various sectors, including industry, government, and research organisations, keen to explore Australia’s potential in hydrogen energy.
A major announcement at the summit was the signing of a partnership between Australia and Germany. This agreement includes A$660 million in funding to guarantee German buyers for Australian-produced renewable hydrogen. The two countries will also expand cooperation through the Hydrogen Accord and a new initiative called Green Metals for Sustainable Steel. This collaboration is aimed at promoting the use of green metals in steel production, a step towards more sustainable industrial practices.
At the event, Australia also launched its updated National Hydrogen Strategy 2024. The strategy outlines four key goals to speed up the development of the hydrogen industry, including a renewable hydrogen production target of 15 million tonnes annually by 2050. The plan also sets out various incentives and programs to foster trade, support investment, and strengthen international partnerships.
Several international delegations attended the summit, supported by Austrade, from countries including Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Lithuania, Austria, and the Netherlands. Delegates had the opportunity to visit hydrogen project sites and engage in industry briefings and networking sessions.
The Team Australia stand featured six government agencies involved in the hydrogen sector: the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Clean Energy Regulator (CER), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), and Geoscience Australia. Together with Austrade, these organisations facilitated meetings and briefings for international investors, discussing government plans and funding mechanisms under Australia’s Future Made in Australia initiative.
Australia's renewable hydrogen industry has grown significantly in recent years, with over 100 hydrogen projects announced since 2019. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 20% of all announced hydrogen projects globally are located in Australia, giving the country one of the largest hydrogen project pipelines worldwide. This project pipeline is valued at A$225 billion and focuses mainly on renewable hydrogen production, leveraging Australia’s rich solar and wind resources.
The summit also highlighted various Australian government initiatives to support the hydrogen sector, such as the Hydrogen Headstart program, the Advancing Hydrogen Fund, and a newly introduced Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive. Additionally, Australia is progressing with the Guarantee of Origin scheme, which will track and certify the emissions levels of low-emission products, including hydrogen.
Panels and discussions at the event provided insights into the renewable hydrogen production process, with Austrade leading a session on hydrogen trade and promoting Australia's role in the global hydrogen market.
