Australia and Japan have forged a new agreement through the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
The MoC between AHC and JETRO aims to foster collaboration in advancing hydrogen priorities and enhancing trade ties between the two nations. By facilitating information exchange and joint initiatives, both entities seek to accelerate the development of hydrogen industries through shared resources and expertise.
Key initiatives outlined in the MoC include exchanging reports, educational materials, and lessons learned; organizing webinars and events for SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups; sharing regulatory and funding information; and facilitating industry introductions. These efforts are designed to promote knowledge sharing and foster innovation across the hydrogen value chain.
Australia has emerged as a prospective hydrogen supplier to Japan, with projections indicating its growing significance in the global hydrogen market. The commitment of the Japanese Government to projects like the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) underscores Japan’s reliance on imported hydrogen to meet its energy needs.
According to the Hydrogen Council’s Global Hydrogen Flows report, Australia is poised to become a key exporter of ammonia to Asia by 2050. This highlights the country’s strategic position in supplying clean hydrogen-based fuels to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the region.
While the AHC-JETRO agreement signals a positive step towards fostering hydrogen collaboration, challenges such as regulatory alignment, technology transfer, and market access need to be addressed to realize its full potential. Moreover, ensuring equitable participation and benefits for all stakeholders remains crucial in driving inclusive growth in the hydrogen sector.
