The Hydrogen Roadmap released today by the South Australian Government will help drive the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy system.

Energy Networks Australia Interim CEO, Andrew Dillon, said the Roadmap will support efforts to capture the benefits of this carbon-free fuel.

“The South Australian Government’s Hydrogen Roadmap aims to accelerate local demand for hydrogen as a fuel for transport, energy and industry,” Mr Dillon said.

“Hydrogen is one of the transformational technologies included in the Gas Vision 2050, which demonstrates how gas can continue to provide Australians with reliable and affordable energy into the future.

“A number of industry-led projects are already planned or underway following the release of the Vision earlier this year.”

Australian Gas Networks will partner with Aquahydrex for an Australian first “power-to-gas” trial announced in August. It will make use of excess renewable energy which can be stored in the gas network to be used when it’s needed.

Calculations by Deloitte Access Economics showed that Australia’s existing gas infrastructure can store more energy than six billion PowerWall batteries.

Mr Dillon said Energy Networks Australia is supporting a proposal for an industry-led Cooperative Research Centre focussed on Future Fuels including hydrogen technologies.

“This research will support the South Australian Hydrogen Roadmap and will provide funding for South Australian researchers,” Mr Dillon said.

“Energy Networks Australia is now working to deliver a long term research and development plan to support the Gas Vision 2050.”

The Gas Vision 2050 is a joint initiative of Australia’s peak gas industry bodies.

ENDS

Media contact: Taryn Bevege (02) 6272 1524 or 0447569029 tbevege@energynetworks.com.au