The Future Fuels CRC (FFCRC) has released a report detailing the work of 19 separate hydrogen roadmaps from around the world.
Authored by a team at the University of Adelaide, the report aims to help understand how nations, regions and industries are thinking about the opportunities and potential for hydrogen.
FFCRC Chief Executive Officer, David Norman, said that this resource aims at helping develop other hydrogen roadmaps and strategies, including Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy.
“There is considerable international interest in rapidly deploying hydrogen technologies in coming decades to reduce carbon emissions.”
Energy Networks Australia, the Australian Pipelines & Gas Association (APGA) and FFCRC are working with Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, who is leading the development of the National Hydrogen Strategy.
Energy Networks Australia CEO, Andrew Dillon, said most jurisdictions identified injection of hydrogen into gas networks as a key way to decarbonise their energy system.
“Australia’s gas networks are already testing the blending of hydrogen into existing distribution networks as away to provide clean, efficient energy to heat homes and cook food.
“As has also been outlined by roadmaps overseas, establishing a domestic hydrogen industry will allow for the development and acceleration of Australia’s hydrogen export industry.”
APGA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Davies, said that work like this is essential to unlock the true potential of hydrogen.
“The pace and manner in which the FFCRC has been established and already delivering results is a great start of this partnership between gas infrastructure industries and academia.
“Future fuels like hydrogen have so much to offer Australia and the research programs of the FFCRC are essential for us to achieve their full potential,” Mr Davies said.
Emissions-free hydrogen gas can be produced from excess renewable energy via electrolysis and stored for later use in the existing network of gas distribution pipes.
The report follows the seminal work of Energy Networks Australia and APGA’s Gas Vision 2050, launched in 2017.
