Exploration into hydrogen concept

Latest Federal Government investment into developing a hydrogen fuel industry has added weight to an investigation into how the Wimmera might be involved.

The government has established a $300-million Advancing Hydrogen Fund to finance projects focused on growing a ‘clean, innovative and competitive’ hydrogen industry in Australia.

It is the government’s first funding program dedicated to hydrogen projects.

The fund will back projects that align with National Hydrogen Strategy priorities including advancing hydrogen production, developing export and domestic supply chains, establishing hydrogen hubs and projects that build domestic demand for hydrogen.

Wimmera and southern Mallee leaders announced in January they were keen to explore a value-adding process involving the zero-emission gas based on wind and solar-power generation in the region.

They said at the time they had been in initial discussions with the State Government in response to a ‘green’ or policy-discussion paper on a state green hydrogen plan.

Green hydrogen is created by electrolysis of water via electricity created from an environmentally benign source such as a wind or solar generator.

It differs from brown, grey or blue hydrogen, created by ‘steam methane reforming’, which generates high levels of carbon dioxide and can leak methane – both greenhouse gases.

Wimmera Development Association executive director Chris Sounness said meetings and discussions regarding regional opportunities were continuing.

“We remain convinced that green hydrogen will be of great value to the region as well as the nation,” he said.

“As a central hub where heavy vehicles crisscross via a variety of transport routes our region is perfectly placed for development.

“There are also opportunities surrounding agriculture as part of the bigger picture.

“The key for us, in collaboration with the State Government, is to pinpoint opportunities so we can paint a clear picture of these opportunities to take to the Federal Government.”

Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said international analysis suggested the latest funding, with a $70-million Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round administrated by Australian Renewable Energy Agency, was one of the largest commitments any government in the world had made to the hydrogen sector.

“This commitment builds on the work already being undertaken in Wannon, with the announcement last year of the $2-million hydrogen hub in Warrnambool,” he said.

Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the fund met a commitment to build Australia’s hydrogen industry into a global export industry by 2030.

“Our hydrogen industry has the ability to make a positive impact both at home and overseas. From cheaper energy bills and job creation in regional Australia, to playing a role in reducing global emissions at home and in countries that buy Australian-produced hydrogen, the industry’s potential cannot be ignored,” he said.

“We remain convinced that green hydrogen will be of great value to the region as well as the nation” – Chris Sounness