Australian companies head to Europe to form partnerships in a new ‘hydrogen economy’

Australian hydrogen companies and project owners are preparing to travel to Rotterdam for Europe’s leading hydrogen conference, the World Hydrogen Summit, from May 9-11.

Rotterdam will be the first big opportunity to engage with Europe in more than two years, and Austrade said it was proud to be partnering with the Australian Hydrogen Council.

According to analysis by Deloitte, Australia’s hydrogen economy could be worth up to $26 billion by 2050, opening doors to new streams of foreign direct investment, increasing innovation within the sector and contributing significantly to a reduction in greenhouse gases.

Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Simon said the Australian contingent represents many companies at the forefront of the hydrogen sector. This is an important conference in terms of the exchange of knowledge but importantly, the creation of business opportunities and collaborations that connect and drive international supply chains.

“Hydrogen presents Australia with an economic growth opportunity, a way to evolve our resource and mining sectors and provide long-term economic security.

“Australia is not only putting its best foot forward at Rotterdam, to demonstrate global leadership in a fast-evolving space. It is also about doing the groundwork to create a viable future export market for hydrogen and its derivatives,” said Dr Simon.

Trade and Investment Commissioner for the Netherlands, Annika Barton said Australia is competitively placed to be a major global player in the production and export of green hydrogen and was already highly regarded as a prime candidate for global supply chain partnerships.

“With decades of energy export experience and an ideal geography, Australia is leading the way to scale up the global hydrogen economy. There is strong commercial appetite to shape this energy transition within the industry,” said Ms Barton

“European partners have a great deal to offer with key production technologies and in supporting utility scale of hydrogen projects. Australia is not only producing innovative hydrogen storage and transport technologies, but also sees Europe as a key client for offtake of green hydrogen within the next decade.”

Companies such as Woodside, CWP and Origin Energy, among others, are leading the way in investing in hydrogen technologies and initiatives to help reduce the emissions of their customers and supply chains.

“With Australia well positioned to be a major supplier of green hydrogen, and global demand continuing to rise, establishing ties with future global markets will lay the groundwork for a prosperous sustainable hydrogen energy future,” Ms Barton said.