A report from CSIRO has mapped the critical research steps Australia must take to realise the potentials of the emerging hydrogen industry.
According to the report, Hydrogen Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D): Priorities and Opportunities for Australia, the hydrogen industry in Australia could create 7600 jobs and be worth $11 billion a year by 2050.
The report stated that investing in research could solve industry challenges to create five key national opportunities: hydrogen exports; integration of hydrogen into gas networks; transport; electricity systems; and industrial processes.
CSIRO research director Dr Patrick Hartley said CSIRO is seeking to bring together industry, government and other research organisations to fast-track emerging hydrogen technologies.
“This isn’t limited to the domestic industry development – we’ll link Australian expertise with international projects,” Hartley said.
“The overall focus will be on enabling Australia’s domestic and export hydrogen industries.
“Importantly, solving the challenges identified can have a multiplier effect that boosts demand for hydrogen – particularly in large scale industrial settings – and encourages further hydrogen supply cost reductions through improvements in efficiency and economies of scale.”
The report was developed out of interviews with representatives from 35 industry and government organisations, over 80 interviews with researchers from 23 institutions, and an extensive literature review.
The report was sponsored by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Science, the Victorian Government, Woodside, BHP, ARENA and Origin.