The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened applications for the $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program on behalf of the Australian Government.
The program, announced in the 2023-24 budget, intends to stimulate Australia’s hydrogen economy in order to capitalise on Australia’s exceptional opportunity to be a worldwide hydrogen leader.
The initiative invites project proposals aimed at scaling up the production of renewable hydrogen, the agency said in a news release.
Successful projects will receive production credits delivered over ten years, helping to bridge the gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and its market price.
ARENA, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW), said it designed the program following extensive consultation with key stakeholders.
This consultative process involved 114 written submissions and three public forums with more than 400 participants, ensuring a well-rounded approach to supporting the emerging renewable hydrogen industry.
According to the agency, renewable hydrogen is recognised as a promising energy vector and feedstock with the potential to revolutionise Australia’s energy landscape, particularly in challenging-to-decarbonize sectors.
However, as the industry is still in its nascent stages, government support is essential to facilitate its growth.
The Hydrogen Headstart program builds upon ARENA’s track record as a pioneer in renewable hydrogen initiatives, having committed over $308 million to 46 renewable hydrogen projects since 2017.
These projects span a wide range of applications, from early-stage research and deployment to groundbreaking ventures such as hydrogen refuelling stations, hydrogen-powered trucks, and the use of hydrogen in alumina refining and remote power generation.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller expressed the program’s potential, highlighting the crucial role of the agency in every phase of Australia’s hydrogen journey.
“With Australia’s abundant renewable energy resources, we’re well placed to be a global leader in the renewable hydrogen industry,” Miller noted.
He also stated that the Hydrogen Headstart program represents the Australian Government’s largest investment in renewable hydrogen to date, marking a critical milestone in unlocking Australia’s potential as a renewable energy superpower.
Expressions of Interest for the Hydrogen Headstart program are now open until 10 November 2023.
For more details on eligibility requirements and the application process, visit this website.
