The Australian Government has today announced shortlisted applicants for the $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart Program.
Hydrogen Headstart is the government's largest investment in renewable hydrogen to date. It was announced in the 2023-24 budget. Headstart will catalyse Australia's hydrogen industry. The Program takes advantage of our unparalleled advantage to become a global hydrogen leader.
The shortlisted applicants are:
- bp Low Carbon Australia Pty Ltd (H2Kwinana)
- HIF Asia Pacific Pty Ltd (HIF Tasmania eFuel Facility)
- KEPCO Australia Pty Ltd (Port of Newcastle Green Hydrogen Project)
- Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd (Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub)
- Stanwell Corporation Limited (Central Queensland Hydrogen Project)
- Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Pty Ltd as trustee for Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Project Trust (Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Project).
The 6 shortlisted applicants are amongst the largest renewable hydrogen projects in the world. They represent a total electrolyser capacity of more than 3.5 GW across various end uses.
Each applicant has now been invited to submit a full application to the next stage of the Program.
Hydrogen Headstart will boost confidence in the emerging renewable hydrogen industry. It sends a strong signal that Australia is an attractive investment destination.
Shortlisted projects seeking to produce renewable hydrogen or its derivatives at scale can apply for a production credit, delivered over ten years. This will bridge the commercial gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and its market price.
Hydrogen Headstart will be operated by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
