The Clean Energy Council says that market activation is the top priority for Australia's hydrogen sector following news of the South Australian Labor party's $593 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
"South Australia has been a leader in developing Australia's renewable hydrogen sector over the past five years, and we welcome SA Labor’s significant financial commitment to turbo-charge the sector should it win government in 2022," said Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton.
A survey by the Clean Energy Council of its renewable hydrogen members in January 2021 found that the top priorities for industry were 'creating local demand', 'building international demand for international exports', 'more government funding to close the commercial gap for early projects' and 'strategic planning and investment in hydrogen hubs'.
State governments have a critical role in creating early demand for renewable hydrogen, allowing a local industry to develop its production capabilities, scale-up the sector and drive down costs.
"It remains crucial, however, that these government funds are applied to the most efficient uses first to support a sustainable, broad-based scale-up of the renewable hydrogen industry.
"We also encourage all parties to consider how they can provide signals which will bring forward private investment in the electricity system, rather than deter it," said Thornton.
"We look forward to engaging with SA Labor about how it can get the most bang for its buck in its very significant financial commitment."
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Jane Aubrey
Clean Energy Council Media Manager
[email protected]
+61 409 470 683
