Federal government reiterates support for hydrogen industry at Canberra meeting
The second Australian Parliamentary Friends of Hydrogen meeting in Canberra focused putting Federal Budget measures into action whilst showcasing hydrogen technologies, highlighting Australia's hydrogen sector progress and facilitating ongoing industry discussions.
The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) recently convened with industry, government, and diplomatic representatives in Canberra for the second Australian Parliamentary Friends of Hydrogen meeting. Co-chaired by Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi MP and Member for Mallee Dr. Anne Webster MP, the gathering highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to hydrogen industry support outlined in the 2024/25 Federal Budget.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP, addressed the attendees, reinforcing the government’s commitment to policies such as the Future Made in Australia, Hydrogen Headstart, and the Hydrogen Production Tax Credit. He stressed the importance of industry participation in the consultation process for these policies, noting that "consultation was key to the progression of these policies," and encouraged stakeholders to engage in the recently released Hydrogen Production Tax Credit consultation paper.
Dr. Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council, applauded Australia’s increasing prioritization of hydrogen applications. She reiterated the necessity of quick implementation of budget measures.
“Incentives such as Hydrogen Production Tax Credit and Hydrogen Headstart are absolutely vital. The public interest is in decarbonisation, and without very strong economy-wide price signals to value carbon – and even with them – we need to look at incentives from government to help bridge the gap and get major projects over the line for the 2030s and 2040s,” she said.
The event featured a presentation of various hydrogen technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Hyzon Refuse Truck, Hyundai NEXO, Toyota Mirai, and BMW iX5. Companies such as Energys, ENEOS, Innomotics, Star Scientific, Toyota, and CarbonNet demonstrated their advancements in hydrogen-related technologies, emphasizing Australia's capabilities across the hydrogen value chain.
Leigh Kennedy, General Manager of Supply Chain and Industry Development for AHC, lauded recent funding announced by the Federal Government.
“The recent budget announced $1.7B in funding for ARENA to establish a manufacturing innovation fund. This funding will work alongside the $3B earmarked under the National Reconstruction Fund for clean technologies – in effect, creating a pipeline of funding for the pipeline of technologies as they commercialise."
“Through our work with the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program, and our ongoing support to members, AHC looks forward to growing Australia’s hydrogen equipment, technology and services sector by supporting development of new technologies and enabling SMEs to transition from existing industries into hydrogen."
The meeting also welcomed representatives from various Australian Government agencies and embassies, including the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Kazuhiro Suzuki, who provided valuable insights into Japan's perspective on hydrogen development. The AHC now focuses on consultations for the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, green metals, low carbon fuels, and broader transport decarbonization while maintaining and enhancing trading relationships with Japan and Korea.
