Hydrogen Council backs hydrogen hubs in Queensland

The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) says the basic building blocks of a new hydrogen economy are being put in place with the latest announcement of more locations for hydrogen hubs, this time in Queensland.

The $275 million provided to hubs in Gladstone and Townsville follow commitments to two facilities at Kwinana and The Pilbara in Western Australia (WA) last week and one in Darwin last weekend.

The Townsville hub is in addition to the seven that were part of a $464m announcement in September last year.

AHC CEO Dr Fiona Simon said co-locating hydrogen users and producers in areas with access to port, road and rail infrastructure and potential pipeline easements is an important step forward for the hydrogen industry.

“These are the hubs we have to have if Australia is to become a global player in hydrogen production and exports by 2030,” said Dr Simon.

“They will drive the creation of regional jobs and build our export prosperity.

“It is a race and we’re at the starting gates with the flag raised.

“It’s now up to governments to work with stakeholders and local communities to ensure the hydrogen hub sites quickly move into planning and development phases.”

Dr Simon said hydrogen hubs serve an important role by grouping various users of hydrogen into defined areas.

“They minimise the cost of providing essential infrastructure and supports economies of scale,” Dr Simon said.

“The process of hubs producing and delivering hydrogen to end users will focus innovation and help build a ‘hydrogen-ready’ workforce.

“We look forward to the unveiling of the remaining hub locations and working with industry and government to support the success of their roll-out,” Dr Simon concluded.