The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced that six applicants have been shortlisted and invited to submit a full application in the next stage of the A$2 billion Hydrogen Headstart Program.
Those seeking to produce renewable hydrogen or derivatives such as ammonia at scale can apply for a production credit delivered over 10 years to bridge the commercial gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and the market price. Shortlisted firms have until June 27, 2024, to submit their full applications with the government expected to announce recipients in late 2024.
The six applicants include bp Low Carbon Australia Pty., for its H2Kwinana Project in Western Australia, with an end use of ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel, and mineral processing; HIF Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. and its project HIF Tasmania eFuel Facility in Tasmania producing e-Fuels; KEPCO Australia Pty Ltd. and Port of New Castle Green Hydrogen Project in New South Wales for producing ammonia; Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd. and Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub in New South Wales for ammonia and mobility; Stanwell Corp. Ltd. for its Central Queensland Hydrogen Project in Queensland to produce ammonia; and Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Pty Ltd. for the Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Project in Western Australia to produce ammonia.
“We have the largest pipeline of renewable hydrogen projects in the world. Hydrogen Headstart is about supporting these projects to become reality as Australia transforms into a renewable energy superpower,” said Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
ARENA said it has already committed more than A$315 million to 48 renewable hydrogen projects since 2017. This funding is in addition to over A$500 milion in Australian Government funding administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for regional hydrogen hubs.