Hydrogen industry developers in Queensland and Western Australia are set to benefit from a federal government-funded initiative.
'Clusters' in the north Queensland city of Townsville and the Gascoyne and Midwest regions of WA will be supported under an initiative of the National Energy Resources Australia network to bring together local players to build skills and advance commercialisation opportunities.
Energy Minister Angus Taylor said the clusters would encourage innovation and build skills and capabilities to make Australian hydrogen supply chains the most attractive in the world.
NERA CEO Miranda Taylor said it was an important step in creating a globally competitive hydrogen industry.
NERA is seeking to turn Hydrogen Technology Cluster Australia, or H2TCA, into a global identity and recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise.
The three new clusters will join an existing network of 15 clusters across Australia.
The hydrogen industry is expected to directly support 16,000 jobs by 2050, plus 13,000 jobs from the construction of related renewable energy infrastructure.
It is estimated Australian hydrogen production for export and domestic use could generate more than $50 billion in additional GDP by 2050.
