Western Australia has capped off an exciting year of renewable hydrogen milestones with the Australian Hydrogen Conference (West) 2022, hosted by the Australian Hydrogen Council.
More than 800 attendees, including some of the hydrogen industry’s most eminent energy leaders, gathered at Crown Perth to explore the latest emerging projects, challenges and opportunities, and help shape the future of the sector.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) was pleased to be able to provide support as the government lead sponsor of AHC (West) 2022.
WA Premier Mark McGowan opened the conference with welcome drinks at Optus Stadium on 5 December.
Ahead of her retirement from politics, inaugural Minister for the Hydrogen Industry Alannah MacTiernan took the opportunity to highlight the progress made on key initiatives under the Renewable Hydrogen Strategy.
2022 highlights include:
- The achievement of Western Australia’s 2022 goals under its Renewable Hydrogen Strategy, with focus areas in export, remote application, hydrogen blending and transport
- The development of a broader Renewable Hydrogen Target to support demand stimulation in Western Australia.
- The publication of land access policy and guidance documents for renewable hydrogen projects
- A new process to enable fast-tracking of green environmental approvals
- An international trilateral study with the Port of Rotterdam and the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) to fast-track renewable hydrogen exports from the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area to the Netherlands and Germany
- The signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), expanding cooperation to new and renewable energies.
As part of the conference, JTSI’s Invest and Trade Western Australia team also led an ancillary program connecting international delegates with local hydrogen sector representatives.
As 2022 draws to an end, it is clearer than ever that Western Australia has established itself as a strong global leader in the emerging renewable hydrogen industry.
With world-class renewable resources, including abundant solar and wind resources, an established energy infrastructure, and strong international connections, the State is well on its way to becoming a global clean energy powerhouse.
Find out more about WA’s renewable hydrogen mission, including upcoming events and initiatives in 2023 at the ITWA Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Industry page.
