The Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Robert Habeck, German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
Australia and Germany have signed an historic deal to deepen cooperation on new green hydrogen supply chains through a $660 million (€400 million) H2Global funding window to guarantee European buyers for Australia's renewable hydrogen producers.
The deal comes as the two countries agreed to elevate their existing Energy Partnership to an Energy and Climate Partnership, advancing joint work in climate action and cooperation, energy efficiency, the net zero transition and energy security, along with expanded cooperation on renewable hydrogen trade.
The Joint Declaration of Intent to negotiate the $660 million deal, equally funded by the governments of both countries, would form part of the German Government's H2Global auction mechanism.
It was signed by Australian Minister for Climate and Energy Chris Bowen and German State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Anja Hajduk in Brisbane today.
A joint H2Global window will give Australian producers the opportunity to export to some of the world's largest renewable hydrogen markets, including Germany, establishing new green supply chains with Europe and supporting a Future Made in Australia.
Renewable hydrogen produced in Australia could play a significant role globally through export of hydrogen-embodied products.
Cooperation on an H2Global window scheme will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries under the expanded Energy and Climate Partnership.
Disruptions in global energy trade, highlighted by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, have underscored the value of new and more resilient clean energy supply chains, of which Australia is well placed to play a part.
The HySupply chain study, announced last year in Berlin by Australian Minister Bowen with German Minister for Education and Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger, found hydrogen trade from Australia to Germany was economically feasible and highly desirable.
Both governments are acting to secure these opportunities for Australian and German industry.
