Australia opens “Hydrogen Headstart” programme

On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened applications for the $2 billion (€1.2 billion) Hydrogen Headstart programme today (10 October).
Announced in the 2023-24 budget, the programme aims to catalyse Australia’s hydrogen industry to take advantage of Australia’s opportunity to be a global hydrogen leader.
Projects seeking to produce renewable hydrogen or derivatives at scale can apply for a production credit delivered over 10 years to bridge the gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and the market price.
ARENA and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have designed the programme following consultation with a broad range of key stakeholders, which involved 114 written submissions and three public forums with over 400 participants.
Renewable hydrogen is a promising zero emissions energy vector and feedstock with the potential to transform Australia’s energy system, including in hard to abate sectors, but the emerging industry requires government support as it scales up.
Hydrogen Headstart builds on ARENA’s success as a leader in renewable hydrogen, having committed over $308 million (€186 million) to 46 renewable hydrogen projects since 2017.
ARENA has been instrumental in the early development of an Australian renewable hydrogen industry. Support for renewable hydrogen spans early-stage research deployment projects through to first-of-a-kind deployments including hydrogen refuelling and hydrogen trucks, hydrogen for producing renewable ammonia, hydrogen for use in alumina refining and remote power.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said Hydrogen Headstart represents a step change in Australia’s renewable hydrogen efforts.
“ARENA has been there at every step of Australia’s hydrogen journey, and we’re thrilled to be delivering this transformative program,” Miller said.
“With Australia’s abundant renewable energy resources, we’re well placed to be a global leader in the renewable hydrogen industry.
“As other countries step up their ambitions, Australia is meeting the challenge and providing the investment we need to stay competitive in the global hydrogen race.
“This is the Australian government’s largest investment in renewable hydrogen to date and a critical step in unlocking Australia’s renewable energy superpower.”
Expressions of Interest are open now until 10 November 2023.