National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) on February 1 unveiled a network of 13 regional hydrogen technology clusters across Australia.  

“With A$1.85mn to be invested in the clusters, the network will foster a multi-billion dollar, globally competitive hydrogen industry,” it said. 

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According to NERA, the national cluster, which would operate as a virtual network, will establish a global identity and a recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise. It will also aid the development of the hydrogen supply chain, reduce overlaps and identify gaps in the development, deployment, and commercialisation of new hydrogen-focussed technologies, it added. 

The establishment of the regional hydrogen technology clusters — which cover all of Australia’s states and territories — follows the conclusion of a seed funding selection programme started by NERA in September. NERA said it has also been able to leverage a range of funding commitments from state and territory governments around the country, as well as industry financial support. 

NERA CEO Miranda Taylor said the announcement was a crucial step in building the skills, capacities and commercialisation opportunities necessary to unlock Australia’s enormous potential to create a globally competitive hydrogen industry. 

“Today marks a great step forward in Australia’s capability in developing hydrogen technologies. These regional clusters, all of which have the support of their state and territory governments, have been established around key, existing hydrogen projects and technology supply chains in strategic locations that have a demonstrated capacity to support them,” Taylor said.