Melbourne, Australia: The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has today congratulated the Australian Government on the announcement of the $1.1bn Cleaner Fuels Program to drive local production of low carbon liquid fuels to support decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, heavy transport and agriculture.
The Australian Government’s strategic priorities to develop hydrogen and low carbon liquid fuels as part of the Future Made in Australia policy recognise the economic benefits and key role they will play in decarbonising high-emitting industrial uses.
CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council Dr Fiona Simon said:
“AHC is pleased to see the Australian Government bolstering its Future Made in Australia policy with additional funding that can have a significant impact on industrial decarbonisation.
“The development of low carbon liquid fuels simultaneously to hydrogen capability is critical, and we are pleased to see funding support from the Australian Government to incentivise supply.
“We need to build capacity for hydrogen to reach scalability of low carbon liquid fuels, as hydrogen will be needed to process biomass and produce methanol for shipping or sustainable aviation fuels. Our focus is ensuring hydrogen is available when it is needed for these markets to realise longer-term opportunities at scale.
“To reach net zero by 2050, we need the right policy settings and planning to lock in investment decisions over the next few years. Australia has natural advantages and skills to produce both hydrogen and low carbon liquid fuels. This support for first movers is critical, as these are the same investors who will get us to scale in the longer-term.
“We look forward to working closely with the Australian Government on achieving its 2035 emissions reduction target, and sector plans to be released later this week.”
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About Australian Hydrogen Council
The Australian Hydrogen Council is the peak representative body for the Australian hydrogen industry, with members from across the hydrogen value chain. We represent the emerging hydrogen industry and connect it with its stakeholders to collectively create a clean and resilient energy future that has hydrogen as a key part of the energy mix. Read more at www.h2council.com.au.
You can download the full PDF here.