Australia and Germany to work together on hydrogen

Australia and Germany have signed a new agreement to promote two-way trade and investment in hydrogen produced from renewable energy.

Both countries have released national hydrogen strategies to help support and grow the development of renewable hydrogen as a clean source of energy with the potential to lower national carbon emissions.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham and Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt have signed a declaration of intent with Germany's Minister for Education and Research Anja Karliczek to carry out a joint feasibility study on trade and investment in hydrogen produced from renewable energy.

“By working together and with industry, we will build a renewable hydrogen industry which will create jobs in Australia and Germany while generating trade opportunities and strengthening the supply of cleaner energy,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Australia and Germany are natural partners, with Australia well-placed to be a world leading supplier of hydrogen produced from renewables, and Germany both as a high demand importer as well as a supplier of advanced technology and scientific expertise.”

The joint feasibility study will investigate opportunities for German and Australian hydrogen industries to cooperate on the production, storage, transport and use of hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources. It will also assess current technologies, identify barriers and recommend business models for the development of this trade.

Minister Karliczek said the joint feasibility study would support Germany's National Hydrogen Strategy, launched in June 2020, and boost economic ties with Australia.

“Hydrogen produced from renewable energy will be a central economic factor in the 21st century. It provides Germany and Australia with opportunities for new business models and job creation,” said Minister Karliczek.

“For industrialized countries like Germany, hydrogen produced from renewables will play a key role in enabling sectors such as the chemical industry to convert to climate-friendly processes. However, large quantities of hydrogen are required to achieve this. And we still need much more research and innovation to boost the development of technologies and system solutions.”

Minister Pitt said the joint feasibility study reinforced Australia's commitment to work with Germany on world-class research and trade and investment opportunities.

“Clean hydrogen is a transformational fuel that can be used to power vehicles, generate heat and electricity, and as a chemical feedstock in major industrial applications,” Minister Pitt said.

“Australia has what it takes to be a world leader in hydrogen production and exports that will help our trading partners lower their emissions.”

The Australian Government is releasing a call for Expressions of Interest from the Australian research and industry community to partner with German industry on the study.

Australia released its National Hydrogen Strategy in November 2019, setting a vision to establish a globally competitive hydrogen industry by 2030.

Further information on the joint feasibility study, or how to apply for the Expression of Interest, is available on the Hydrogen Strategy webpage, or though the GrantConnect website.