The federal government has announced $69.2 million in funding to develop the Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub in Gladstone, Queensland (QLD).
The Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub could produce up to 292,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year by 2031, with this specific investment building infrastructure including a hydrogen electrolyser, pipeline and underground hydrogen storage.
Construction is set to commence in 2024, with the project expected to be operational in mid-2027.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the funding will assist the project in reaching its milestones.
“Gladstone has strong foundations to host a thriving hydrogen industry, creating thousands of local jobs and position Australia as a renewable energy superpower,” Bowen said.
“Renewable hydrogen will play a big role in our path to net zero, helping cut emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, and the manufacturing of green metals and other products the world needs.”
QLD Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the hydrogen industry is estimated to be worth $33 billion by 2040.
“We know Queensland hydrogen is a global game changer in slashing carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, including major industry, heavy haulage, shipping and aviation, while fast tracking new industries and jobs,” he said.
“Thanks to Queensland’s combination of abundant natural resources and clear policy framework supporting green hydrogen, it’s estimated the industry will be worth $33 billion by 2040, boosting our economy, supporting jobs, and helping decarbonise the world.”
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