Confirmation that Bell Bay in Tasmania and Port Bonython in South Australia have joined the ranks of the nation’s hydrogen hubs underlines the imperative of federal-state co-operation, the Australian Hydrogen Council says.
The Coalition has promised $70 million to help establish a hydrogen production hub at Bell Bay, which will include upgrades to water infrastructure, transmission networks and port works.
A simultaneous $218 million commitment to the Port Bonython hub, which includes funding for associated development in Whyalla, Port Pirie and Port Augusta in South Australia, continues the move towards a national network.
Australian Hydrogen Council CEO, Dr Fiona Simon, said Tasmania and South Australia have been at the forefront of moving their economies to a sustainable footing.
“This will be a real shot in the arm for both states’ employment and exports prospects,” Simon said. “Continuing collaboration by the states and territories and the Commonwealth is now an imperative.
“We look forward to the development of a regulatory framework and national standards to put the hydrogen economy on a commercial footing.”