The down low on hydrogen policy and regulation in Australia

Hydrogen has been hailed as the fuel of the future. From powering energy-intensive industries, such as steelmaking, transport and shipping, to grid electricity, and heating our homes and water, hydrogen is expected to amount to 18% of all global energy consumption by 2050.

We consider the current policy and regulatory landscapes governing the hydrogen industry in the Australian Environment Review's special edition on hydrogen (first published in vol 36(6) of the Australian Environment Review)¹.

A copy of our article can be viewed here.

Key takeaways

• While there is likely to be sufficient demand to develop a domestic market for hydrogen, the real opportunity for Australia lies in its capacity to become a major exporter.
• There is currently no legal framework in Australia targeted specifically at hydrogen production, transport or use, but there are numerous existing ones that would apply – some of which will require reform.
• Hydrogen represents a significant opportunity, but all governments must continue to support it, including by expediting fit-for-purpose legal frameworks and providing economic incentives. Otherwise, Australia risks losing its natural advantage in the global hydrogen race.