Six renewable hydrogen projects representing an overall electrolyser capacity of more than 3.5 GW have been shortlisted for the next stage of Australia’s AUD 2 billion (USD 1.36bn/EUR 1.24bn) Hydrogen Headstart Programme.
The programme, announced in the 2023-24 budget, seeks to propel development to Australia’s hydrogen industry. The shortlisted applicants, unveiled last week, have been invited to submit a full application by June 27, 2024, with the Australian government planning to announce funding awards in late 2024.
The six preselected projects are in the table below:
| Applicant | Project | Electrolyser Size (MW) | State | End Use |
| bp Low Carbon Australia Pty Ltd | H2Kwinana | 105 | Western Australia | Ammonia, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Minerals processing |
| HIF Asia Pacific Pty Limited | HIF Tasmania eFuel Facility | 144 | Tasmania | e-Fuels |
| KEPCO Australia Pty Ltd (Korea Electric Power Corporation) | Port of Newcastle Green Hydrogen Project | 750 | New South Wales | Ammonia |
| Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd | Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub | Phase 1 – 50 /Phase 2 – 200 | New South Wales | Ammonia, Mobility |
| Stanwell Corporation Limited | Central Queensland Hydrogen Project | 720 | Queensland | Ammonia |
| Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Pty Ltd as trustee for Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Project Trust | Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Project | 1,625 | Western Australia | Ammonia |
“Hydrogen Headstart is a crucial step towards keeping Australia on the path to become a global hydrogen leader, creating new export opportunities, while helping to decarbonise our economy,” said ARENA chief executive Darren Miller.
The programme will support renewable hydrogen projects through a production credit over 10 years. Its expression of interest (EOI) stage opened in October.
(AUD 1 = USD 0.681/EUR 0.617)
Source: renewablesnow
