Australia opens applications for hydrogen programme

The initial expression of interest stage will run until 10 November.

The government of Australia has opened the application for expressions of interest (EOI) for the around $1.3b (A$2b) Hydrogen Headstart Program.

In a statement, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said the investment will support the selection of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects.

This will help accelerate the development of Australia’s hydrogen industry, support clean energy industries, and help the country connect to new global hydrogen supply chains.

ALSO READ: Australia, UK launch joint funding call for green hydrogen projects

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will lead Headstart through a two-stage competitive process.

The department said Australia has one of the largest announced hydrogen projects pipelines globally at around $128.4b (A$200b) to $192.7b (A$300b), but noted that many projects are not progressing due to the gap between the market price for renewable hydrogen and production costs. 

$1 = A$1.56