Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart Program.
Scaling up production of renewable hydrogen is vital for achieving Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy superpower.
It will also enable Australian industry to realise new opportunities in manufacturing and other industries while contributing to Australia’s decarbonisation commitments.
Australia has one of the world’s largest pipelines of announced hydrogen projects. It is valued at between $200-$300 billion.
However, many projects are not progressing. This is due to the current gap between the market price for renewable hydrogen, and how much it costs to produce.
Headstart will provide $2 billion in revenue support for a selection of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects. By using competitive production contracts, this investment will:
- accelerate the development of Australia’s hydrogen industry
- support clean energy industries
- help Australia connect to new global hydrogen supply chains.
Headstart will be delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). ARENA has a strong track record in renewables investment. It has played a leading role in a significant number of Australia’s major hydrogen activities.
ARENA will deliver Headstart through a two-stage, competitive process. The initial EOI stage will be open from 10 October 2023 to 10 November 2023.
Australian-based hydrogen projects powered by 100 per cent renewable energy are eligible to apply.
