In a bid to boost research into renewable hydrogen production, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced conditional funding of up to $35 million (AUD $50 million) and €40 million (AUD $60 million) to Australia and Germany across four projects as part of the German-Australian Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator (HyGATE).
This round sees ARENA, on behalf of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW), contributing $50 million.
Project Management Jülich (PtJ) is managing $60 million on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Funding recipients have proven they can fulfil one or more of the funding round’s objectives, such as: demonstrating highly innovative technology across the value chain of renewable hydrogen and reducing the cost of hydrogen production, transport, storage and use, and supporting the commercial viability of renewable hydrogen.
The awardees are also expected to promote the Australian-German supply chain for renewable hydrogen as well as encourage cross-country collaboration and knowledge sharing between Australian and German organisations.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the HyGATE Initiative is the next step in advancing the commercialisation of renewable hydrogen adding that the company is thrilled to announce its four hydrogen projects, which highlight the value of international cooperation in establishing a new export market for renewable hydrogen.
“HyGATE highlights our strong relationship with Germany. Through our joint support we will bring together Australian innovation and state-of-the-art German renewable hydrogen technology for the benefit of both countries,” Mr Miller noted.
Meanwhile, Australia Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen MP said that the partnership with Germany will promote Australia’s goal of becoming a superpower in renewable energy.
“These projects demonstrate Australia’s role as a world leader in renewable energy production, reducing the cost of hydrogen production and paving the way for exports,” the minister said.
