Feature | Hydrogen
Hydrogen – Fuel cells or Fool Cells According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk they are Fool Cells. Not surprisingly, he’s not a fan since his Tesla mega empire is firmly rooted in the use of lithium-ion batteries. Once he may have been believed but that belief is being savagely shaken by educational institutions, government and some of the world’s biggest and most prestigious multinational companies.
Australia’s Hydrogen Strategy according to government The development of our hydrogen resources could enhance Australia’s energy security, create Australian jobs and build an export industry valued in the billions. We have all the pieces needed to create this new industry and supply clean hydrogen to the world: the energy resources, expertise and infrastructure. The National Hydrogen Strategy sets a path to build Australia’s hydrogen industry; a plan to accelerate the commercialisation of hydrogen, reduce technical uncertainties and build up our domestic supply chains and production capabilities. The Strategy looks to initially concentrate hydrogen use in niche hubs that will foster domestic demand. The Australian Government has committed more than $146 million to hydrogen projects 14 | March 2021
that will help us learn more about how hydrogen can form part of Australia’s energy mix to help drive down prices and emissions, as well as provide a foundation of expertise to build a competitive export industry. Every state and territory has regions with excellent prospects for hydrogen production. Through this Strategy, all of Australia’s state governments are committing to remove barriers to industry development. This includes through nationally consistent and smart regulation, enhanced engagement with customer countries, and in ensuring safety concerns are addressed. The Australian Government will track progress and monitor emerging industry changes here and overseas so that all jurisdictions can respond to market developments.
Clean hydrogen as a fuel is now poised to become a reality. The COAG Energy Council Hydrogen Working Group has found that Australian companies and investors are ready to apply their ingenuity and considerable experience to activating the supply of hydrogen. The challenge is to develop the early demand that will enable the suppliers to begin their journey down the cost curve. The best way to start this journey is for governments and industry to work together in the manner outlined in the Strategy. In late 2018 the Council of Australian Governments Energy Council agreed to establish a Hydrogen Working Group, chaired by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, to develop a National Hydrogen Strategy that can achieve this vision.