Have your say: Australia moves towards National Hydrogen Standards with industry consultation
Consultation seeks input on draft codes for hydrogen production and refuelling facilities.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is inviting feedback on draft National Hydrogen Codes of Best Practice, which aim to ensure the safe and consistent development of hydrogen production and refuelling facilities. These codes are part of the broader National Hydrogen Regulatory Review, a collaborative effort by Commonwealth, state, and territory energy ministers.
The review prioritises creating a clear regulatory framework to manage risks, improve safety, protect the environment, and streamline approval processes across Australia, delivering improved regulatory transparency and certainty for hydrogen projects in each Australian jurisdiction. The first draft focuses on technical and regulatory guidance for hydrogen production and refuelling.
The draft codes provide a detailed mapping of technical requirements and regulatory responsibilities for hydrogen facilities. This includes plant and equipment specifications, environmental considerations, emissions management, and roles and competencies for workers. Regulators and industry stakeholders can also access a matrix that outlines relevant legal obligations and contacts for compliance questions.
The approach is informed by Australian and international practices, case studies, and technical standards.
Consultation documents include:
- Facility maps outlining production and refuelling processes, equipment, emissions, and schematic representations.
- A regulator matrix covering safety and environmental planning requirements.
- Questions for participants to provide feedback.
The department notes the need for robust standards, explaining that hydrogen facilities share risks common to other hazardous industries, but these can be managed with proper design and procedures. Draft codes also identify regulatory gaps where existing laws do not directly address hydrogen activities but can draw parallels with other gas and chemical industries.
Energy professionals and stakeholders can access consultation materials on the department’s website. Submissions, including feedback and supporting documents, must be uploaded by 11.59 pm on 8 December 2024.
