Boosting Australian renewable hydrogen innovation

The Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments are investing more than $23 million in a ground-breaking renewable hydrogen project in the Illawarra and Rockhampton.

$20.9 million will be provided by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support Wollongong-based company Hysata in developing an advanced electrolyser that can produce renewable hydrogen more efficiently.

This means driving down costs for renewable hydrogen – which can be used by heavy industries such as steel, heavy transport and more to reduce emissions and remain competitive in a decarbonising global economy.

The cutting-edge project will demonstrate the effectiveness of Hysata's electrolyser technology at a scale of 5 megawatts with an aim of a 20% increase in efficiency compared to current electrolysers in use today.

The electrolyser demonstration unit will be installed at Stanwell Power Station outside of Rockhampton, Queensland after development work takes place at Hysata's facility in Port Kembla, NSW.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen made the announcement at the opening of Hysata’s new electrolyser manufacturing facility in Port Kembla. Hysata has previously received funding as part of the German-Australian Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator (HyGATE) Initiative for a pilot stage 200 kW electrolyser.

“We’re delighted to support game-changing, homegrown innovation that will power our future as a clean energy manufacturer and a renewable energy superpower.”

Global demand for renewable hydrogen is growing rapidly and is projected to reach 500 million tonnes per year by 2050.

Australia’s regions can and should have a piece of the action in supplying renewable hydrogen technology to heavy industry at home and abroad – and the Albanese Government is investing to ensure they can do just that.

Queensland Hydrogen Champion and Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the region was serious about using local people and experience to lead the development of the global hydrogen industry.

“Queensland’s green hydrogen industry is the next frontier in a world hungry for clean energy and is our greatest climate, jobs, and economic opportunity in a generation.”