Australian enterprises at the forefront of the growing hydrogen economy are gearing up for their first significant face-to-face engagement with Europe in more than two years.
Austrade, the federal trade agency, announced Monday that it is teaming up with the Australian Hydrogen Council to showcase projects at a meeting next month in the Netherlands.
For a hydrogen energy industry to be financially sustainable, it will be critical to strengthen relationships with prospective export markets and to attract foreign investment into Australian projects.
Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council, told AAP that the events unfolding in Europe have heightened the urgency of energy security and storage concerns.
“It does offer another dimension to how people view hydrogen in the context of a portfolio of choices for enhancing energy independence.”
However, Germany has been “intensely engaged” with Australia over the last year, demonstrating their commitment to importing hydrogen from a variety of sources, Dr Simon said.
North Asian associates Japan and South Korea are also aggressively pursuing hydrogen as a potential future energy source, as major economies chart a course toward net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
According to Deloitte, Australia’s hydrogen industry might be worth up to $26 billion by 2050.
However, Dr Simon stated that Australian business will require a conversion program and “policy zeal” from the federal and state governments to compete with fossil fuels.
Annika Barton, the Netherlands’ Trade and Investment Commissioner, stated that firms such as Woodside, CWP, and Origin Energy, among others, are pioneering hydrogen technology and supply networks.
“There is a huge commercial ambition among the industry to shape this energy transition,” Ms Barton added.
Companies are developing hydrogen storage and transportation systems, and Europe is expected to be a major market for green hydrogen – hydrogen produced without the use of fossil fuels – within the next decade.
Dr Simon stated that the current collaboration with Germany on bringing hydrogen to Europe will involve the shipment of hydrogen in the form of ammonia.
The distance is less of an issue when carried in this form, as opposed to liquid hydrogen, which is currently being trialed for closer Asian markets.
“It strengthens Australia’s position in those faraway markets,” she explained.
The Rotterdam port, which is developing a hydrogen hub, would provide direct access to hydrogen to Germany’s industrial core.
According to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, imports are planned to begin in 2024.
The World Hydrogen Summit, Europe’s premier hydrogen conference, will take place from May 9-11.
