Australian and South Korean top applied scientists and engineers say Australia could be a world-leading hydrogen exporter by 2030 in a report released by Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE).
The report is the culmination of a collaboration between experts from ATSE and the National Academy of Engineering Korea (NAEK), who came together to explore real pathways to creating a hydrogen economy.
During a one-day ‘Hydrogen Futures’ workshop in March 2020, 50 leading Korean and Australian experts from government, industry, research and academia gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by hydrogen.
The workshop helped build crucial linkages and enabled knowledge sharing between Australia and Korea to create new opportunities for research and commercial partnerships.
ATSE President Professor Hugh Bradlow FTSE said Australia is viewed as a source of clean hydrogen, essentially continuing Australia’s role as a reliable supplier of fuels while contributing to the fight against climate change.
“Just two or three years ago, international discussions around a possible hydrogen industry were focused on developing the tech, and the conversation has moved from ‘is it possible?’ to ‘when do we start?’
“Australia is uniquely positioned to drive the global shift to clean hydrogen energy due to its extensive renewable energy resources, expertise and infrastructure.
“As one of our Korean speakers said ‘it would be like bottling Australia’s sunshine’,” Professor Bradlow said.
ATSE says that a commercially viable hydrogen industry can be up and running by 2030.
The global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has prompted a resurgence of interest in the role hydrogen can play in creating cleaner energy, transport and industrial sectors.
Read the full report here.
