The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) has acknowledged Australian Government investment in WA hydrogen projects under its Hydrogen Headstart Program, administered through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Member organisation, BP, was congratulated on its H2Kwinana energy hub project being shortlisted to apply for the funding program.
CME Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Tomkinson, said BP’s invitation to participate in the next stage of the $2 billion hydrogen program reflected the strategic importance that initiatives like the H2Kwinana hub would play in the energy transition.
“Programs like Hydrogen Headstart offer an opportunity for WA to secure investment in the renewable hydrogen sector,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“In addition to potential export opportunities, the production of hydrogen in WA stands to play an important role in decarbonisation objectives for industry sectors.
“We know a range of proven technologies are going to be required to meet these objectives and we encourage initiatives which facilitate their adoption across the sector.
“Clearly, incentives under the national Hydrogen Strategy, alongside supportive policy settings and regulatory frameworks in WA, will be a key component of application success and I look forward to other WA proponents having this opportunity.
“The WA Government has recently announced a raft of changes to the regulatory approvals process to make it more efficient and remove unnecessary blockages for industry investment and project delivery in WA.
“Nationally, it’s important that regulatory reforms do not risk the development of projects, many of which will be supporting the energy transition at home and globally.
“Access to low-emission, reliable and cost-competitive energy is essential for the decarbonisation of much of our existing industry. The countdown to 2030 is six years so it’s critical governments act quickly to support the growth of new green industries like renewable hydrogen.
“Through collaborative partnerships, investment and regulatory efficiency, Australia’s hydrogen production projects have the potential to be accelerated from infancy to a mature and sustainable industry of global importance,” she said.
CME supports BP’s plans to submit a full application for consideration in 2024 and its goals to decarbonise the Kwinana Industrial Area and the region.