The Australian and South Australian governments are investing $100 million to develop the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub and prepare the hub to become South Australia’s first large-scale export terminal for hydrogen.
The redeveloped Port Bonython is scheduled to host projects worth up to $13 billion and create up to 1.8 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030, with private sector funding.
“We’re working with the Malinauskas Government to develop the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub, which will support regional jobs and take us a step closer to becoming a renewable energy superpower,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
According to the Federal Government, South Australia is poised to become a leading, low-cost hydrogen supplier due to its vast land, solar and wind resources. The State Government has a comprehensive plan to build a hydrogen sector in the Spencer Gulf, including a Hydrogen Jobs Plan that will include the creation of a hydrogen electrolyser, power station, and storage facility.
“Our state is blessed with the key ingredients the world needs to decarbonise international economies – abundant coincident wind and solar resources, critical minerals, strong renewable energy penetration, and well developed industrial hubs,” South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“Through our Hydrogen Jobs Plan, my Government is seizing the mantle to produce a world leading hydrogen electrolyser, power plant and storage facility,” Premier Malinauskas stated.
South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said as the world works to reduce carbon emissions, hydrogen is emerging as a critical commodity for reindustrialisation.
“The Malinauskas Government has recognised this and we are investing in our Hydrogen Jobs Plan for the future,” Minister Koutsantonis added.
Through the Net Zero Economy Agency and review of the National Hydrogen Strategy, the Federal Government said it will explore what is required to promote hydrogen supply chains.
The Australian Government aims to establish a clean, innovative, safe, and competitive hydrogen industry that benefits all Australians.
“The global shift to clean energy and decarbonised economies is a huge economic opportunity for Australia,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“We are determined to grasp this opportunity and are investing half a billion dollars into regional hydrogen hubs all around Australia,” he added.
The Federal Government is investing more than $500 million in regional hydrogen hubs in the Pilbara, Kwinana, Gladstone, Townsville, the Hunter, Bell Bay, and the Upper Spencer Gulf.
The recent Commonwealth Budget included $2 billion in funding for a new Hydrogen Headstart program to accelerate the growth of Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry.
The Government noted that the new investment aims to establish Australia as a global leader in green hydrogen amid increasing global competition for clean energy investments.
“Investing in an Australian green hydrogen industry puts us on a path to become a renewable superpower,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said.
“Green hydrogen will play a crucial role in our clean energy transformation and will create jobs and spur investment in regional Australia.”
The Australian hydrogen industry is expected to generate $50 billion in additional GDP and over 16,000 jobs by 2050. The construction of renewable energy infrastructure to power hydrogen production is also predicted to generate 13,000 new jobs in the industry.
