South Australia will demonstrate why billions of dollars are being invested in the state’s hydrogen and green energy sector in Washington DC over the next two days.
Invest SA will showcase South Australia’s hydrogen capabilities to over 3000 global industry professionals, government representatives along with hydrogen and energy stakeholders, service providers and offtakers at the Hydrogen Americas (H2 Americas) Summit taking place at the Ronald Regan international Trade Centre.
South Australia has grown its strategic position in the global hydrogen industry through significant industry development and opportunities at Port Bonython, along with the state government’s $593 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
The Hydrogen Jobs Plan will see the construction of a 250MW electrolyser, a 200MW power generator and capacity for 3600 tonnes of hydrogen storage.
South Australia is poised to produce and deliver a sustainable supply of green hydrogen with 56 renewable energy projects in the pipeline, totalling $20 billion.
H2 Americas commences almost a year to the day after US President Joe Biden passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which seeks to advance clean energy projects and investment and make US renewable hydrogen the cheapest worldwide.
South Australia’s positioning and commitment to the hydrogen industry has seen it gain an early mover advantage, with H2 Americas showcasing why the state is a global leader in the hydrogen industry.
Last month, the South Australian Government introduced the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Bill, designed to provide a coordinated approach to the State’s burgeoning hydrogen and renewable energy industries.
The Invest SA delegation builds on the government’s commitment to position South Australia as a global leader in hydrogen following Premier Peter Malinauskas’ address to the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam and Trade Minister Nick Champion attending Fuel Cell Expo in Tokyo earlier this year.
Potential impact of South Australia’s hydrogen industry
South Australia’s hydrogen industry has the potential to create jobs, boost the economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Hydrogen Jobs Plan is expected to create 25,000 jobs and attract $1 billion in investment by 2030. The industry is also expected to contribute $15 billion to the state’s economy by 2050.
In addition, the production of green hydrogen can help to reduce South Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and it does not produce any emissions when it is burned.