A new report released today shows the worldwide focus and drive towards a hydrogen future.

The Future Fuels CRC (FFCRC) has released a report on the work of 19 separate hydrogen roadmaps from around the world.

FFCRC Chief Executive Officer, David Norman, said the aim of the report, authored by a team at the University of Adelaide, was to help understand how nations, regions and industries are thinking about the opportunities and potential for hydrogen.

“This resource aims at helping develop other hydrogen roadmaps and strategies, including Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy,” Mr Norman said.

“There is considerable international interest in rapidly deploying hydrogen technologies in coming decades to reduce carbon emissions.”

Energy Networks Australia, the Australian Pipelines & Gas Association (APGA) and FFCRC are working with Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, who is leading the development of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

Energy Networks Australia CEO, Andrew Dillon, said most jurisdictions identified injection of hydrogen into gas networks as a key way to decarbonise their energy system.

“Australia’s gas networks are already testing the blending of hydrogen into existing distribution networks as a way to provide clean, efficient energy to heat homes and cook food,” Mr Dillon said.

“As has also been outlined by roadmaps overseas, establishing a domestic hydrogen industry will allow for the development and acceleration of Australia’s hydrogen export industry.”

APGA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Davies, said work like this is essential to unlock the true potential of hydrogen.

“The pace and manner in which the FFCRC has been established and already delivering results is a great start of this partnership between gas infrastructure industries and academia. Future fuels like hydrogen have so much to offer Australia and the research programs of the FFCRC are essential for us to achieve their full potential,” Mr Davies said.

Emissions-free hydrogen gas can be produced from excess renewable energy via electrolysis and stored for later use in the existing network of gas distribution pipes.

Today’s report follows the seminal work of Energy Networks Australia and APGA’s Gas Vision 2050, launched in 2017.

ENDS

About Energy Networks Australia

Energy Networks Australia is the national industry body representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks. Our members provide more than 16 million electricity and gas connections to almost every home and business across Australia.

About Future Fuels CRC

Future Fuels CRC is a collaborative research partnership between industry and academia supported by the Federal Government, delivering outcomes-focused research through six leading Australian universities and more than 80 companies.

About APGA

APGA is the peak body representing Australasia’s pipeline infrastructure. While many members have a focus on gas transmission, they are active in all aspects of the industry. Our members include constructors, owners, operators, advisers, engineering companies and suppliers of pipeline products and services.