Gladstone positioned to power the hydrogen highway

The Queensland Government has reinforced its commitment to developing a world-class sustainable hydrogen industry, releasing the new $19 million Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019–2024.

Announced in Gladstone today by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett welcomed the Hydrogen Industry Strategy and thanked the Queensland Government for their commitment to hydrogen within the Gladstone Region.

“This has been a great week for the Gladstone Region with two major announcements in the energy space, an approved development application for the Aldoga solar farm and now the $19 million Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy,” Councillor Burnett said.

“Again, this funding continues to highlight the region’s strategic advantages and proves we are the region of choice when it comes to investing in diversified energy.

“We are proud of our history and future in facilitating coal trade to the world, and we are equally excited to facilitate future energy trades.”

Premier Palaszczuk said hydrogen has the potential to be Queensland’s next LNG, and a new source of jobs, especially in regional Queensland.

While in Tokyo, the Premier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with resources investment group Japan Oil, Gas and Metals Corp (JOGMEC) to include continued co-operation developing hydrogen.

Queensland’s new hydrogen strategy focuses on five areas: supporting innovation, facilitating private investment, effective policy frameworks, building community awareness, and facilitating skills development.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said Queensland’s vision was to be at the forefront of renewable hydrogen production by 2030, and the strategy will assist in achieving this goal.

“This global transition to a low-carbon future presents tremendous opportunities for Queensland,” Mr Butcher said.

“Our state has all the pre-requisites needed to support a renewable hydrogen industry, including solar, wind and biomass, a pro-business government, existing gas pipeline infrastructure, and first-class export facilities, and we’re eager to take advantage of our position.”

Cr Burnett said the region continues to move from strength to strength within the energy sector and looks forward to further showcasing the region’s major advantages during the Envisioning Energy CQ conference.

“The conference will investigate hydrogen, bio-fuels and renewable energy business opportunities and the economic benefits it may bring to Central Queensland,” he said.

“This will be through export revenue, new industries and jobs to support the transition to low emissions energy across electricity, heating, transport and industry.”

To view the Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019-2024, please visit dsdmip.qld.gov.au/hydrogen

For more information on Envisioning Energy CQ conference, please email [email protected]