On September 13, 2024, the Australian government released the , an update to the 2019 version. The updated strategy outlined four key objectives for the hydrogen industry:
Boost hydrogen production to at least 15 million tonnes per year, with the potential to reach 30 million tonnes per year by 2050.
Increase hydrogen demand and use it to decarbonize key sectors, including green metals (iron and alumina), green ammonia, long-haul transport (heavy-duty road vehicles, aviation, and marine), and power generation.
Raise community awareness of hydrogen’s potential, aiming to create more regional jobs and business opportunities.
Promote global trade, investment, and partnerships, targeting at least 200,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen exports per year by 2030, with the potential to reach 1.2 million tonnes annually.
To achieve these goals, the government outlined 34 specific actions, three major targets, and collaborative efforts across various levels of government, supported by enabling factors. SGS INSPIRE has integrated relevant actions and targets, particularly those important for the transportation sector.
Actions:
•Provide early policy support to scale up hydrogen production, aiming to make its pricing competitive with traditional fossil fuels
•Facilitate the involvement of specialized investment groups to advance the hydrogen industry
•Integrate hydrogen hubs into the broader framework of scoping, planning, and development
•Collaborate with states, territories, and industry experts to enhance understanding of future hydrogen transport needs
•Ensure safe marine refueling options using low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol
•Increase investment in research and development (R&D) for hydrogen technology in partnership with other countries
•Prioritize support for developing Australian hydrogen for export-oriented industries, particularly in green ammonia, iron, and alumina sectors
•Promote hydrogen adoption in transportation, either directly through hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) or as a low-carbon feedstock for synthetic fuels like e-fuel
•Include water demand considerations in hydrogen production within the updated National Water Initiative
Targets:
•2050 hydrogen production target: At least 15 million tonnes/year, with potential to reach 30 million tonnes/year
•Long-term hydrogen production targets:
◦ 2030: 0.5-1.5 million tonnes/year
◦ 2035: 3-5 million tonnes/year
◦ 2040: 5-12 million tonnes/year
◦ 2045: 9-20 million tonnes/year
•2030 hydrogen export target: At least 0.2 million tonnes/year of hydrogen export volume and potentially reach 1.2 million tonnes/year
According to the Australian government, the country has extensive renewable energy resources, with over 262,000 km² of land highly suitable for hydrogen production. As of September 2024, more than 100 hydrogen projects have been announced in Australia. In February 2022, the world’s first shipment of liquefied hydrogen, produced from Latrobe Valley coal, was sent to Kobe, Japan.
At present, the Australian government is providing funding through the to accelerate the development of hydrogen industry.