IEA predicts biggest hydrogen exports from Australia by 2050

According to the International Energy Agency’s 2022 World Energy Outlook, Australia will export the most low-emission hydrogen by 2050.

This is 10 times the domestic supply of 50 billion cubic metres of natural gas equivalent (bcme). At 38 bcme, the Middle East is estimated to export low-emission hydrogen second. China will lead low-emissions hydrogen production, followed by the US. Both countries will produce about 150 bcme of hydrogen by 2050.

Australia will be the second-largest hydrogen exporter by 2030, behind Latin America. By 2030, low-emissions hydrogen production will reach 100 bcme globally. Because hydrogen-based fuels like ammonia are transported or consumed, the International Energy Agency (IEA) assesses low-emissions hydrogen trade in natural gas energy equivalent.

In 2050, the EU, Japan, and South Korea will be the biggest net importers of low-emission hydrogen. Australia’s net-exports will be less than Japan and South Korea’s combined. Australian hydrogen is entering Japan and South Korea’s markets. Japan-Australia hydrogen technology partnerships are continuing.

The Asian Renewable Energy Hub in Western Australia, which will create 9 Mt of low-emissions ammonia and 1.6 Mt of hydrogen per year, has chosen Japan and South Korea as its initial export destinations, according to the report.