A network of 13 regional hydrogen technology clusters have been unveiled across Australia in a bid to establish a nationwide hydrogen cluster.
On 1 February, National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), which has spearheaded the effort, said $1.85mn will be invested in the clusters and that the network will foster a multi-billion dollar, globally competitive hydrogen industry. The national cluster will operate as a virtual network, establishing a global identity and recognised brand for Australia hydrogen technology and expertise, aiding the development of the hydrogen supply chain, reducing overlaps and identifying gaps in development, deployment and commercialisation of new, hydrogen focused technologies.
The regional clusters cover all of Australia’s states and territories and coms following a seed funding program that got underway in September, launched by NERA. Funding commitments have also been leveraged state and territory governments, as well as from industry. The development of a national hydrogen cluster was identified back in 2019 in Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy as a key step in scaling up its domestic industry to become a global hydrogen competitor. According to a Deloitte report, it could see Australia’s GDP boosted up to $26bn.
CEO of NERA, Miranda Taylor, said: “Today marks a great step forward in Australia’s capability in developing hydrogen technologies. These regional clusters, all of which have the support of their state and territory governments, have been established around key, existing hydrogen projects and technology supply chains in strategic locations that have a demonstrated capacity to support them. This will ensure long-term local cohesion and sustainable capability across the emerging hydrogen value chain.”
