$2 billion program to power Australian renewable hydrogen industry opens

The largest ever Commonwealth funding program for renewable hydrogen is now open for applications.

The Albanese Government’s $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program will help tap into the enormous global pipeline of private investment in hydrogen, right here in Australia.

The program will help large-scale renewable hydrogen projects get going by bridging the commercial gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and the market price.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Hydrogen Headstart would be a game changer in the development of Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry.

“Large-scale production of renewable hydrogen is critical to Australia reaching our potential as a renewable energy superpower, adding $50 billion to our GDP and creating over 16,000 jobs by 2050.”

“Australia already has the largest pipeline of renewable hydrogen projects in the world. Our regions have the resources, technical skills and key trade partnerships to drive growth in hydrogen and other clean industries, as well as the jobs that come with it.

“Hydrogen Headstart is about realising the potential of that pipeline and making sure Australia is in the race.”

This landmark investment in Hydrogen Headstart will help keep Australia on the path to be a global hydrogen leader by 2030, harnessing our huge renewable energy resources to support a new industry in Australia.

Australia has a massive potential competitive advantage in the manufacturing and export of green hydrogen, with our abundant renewable energy resources like solar and wind.

Green hydrogen is also a critical enabler for future manufacturing of green metals and other products the world needs as the transformation to net zero by 2050 gathers pace.

Hydrogen Headstart was co-designed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. It builds on over half a billion dollars of investment by the Albanese Government in regional hydrogen hubs including in Pilbara, Kwinana, Gladstone, Townsville, the Hunter, Bell Bay and Upper Spencer Gulf.

Hydrogen Headstart will be administered by ARENA, with Expressions of Interest open until 10 November 2023. The proponents of shortlisted projects will then be invited to develop full applications.

For more information on the Hydrogen Headstart program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit https://arena.gov.au/funding/hydrogen-headstart/