There was more great news for Whyalla on the hydrogen front recently with Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers announcing a $2b Hydrogen Headstart Program, specifically referencing the potential benefits for Whyalla.
Dr Chalmers announced the program – which aims to fund large-scale projects – as part of a larger $4b investment in Australia’s plan to become a renewable energy superpower, including the establishment of the Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre.
Dr Chalmers said the Hydrogen Headstart program was designed to make Australia “a world leader in producing and exporting hydrogen power”, while targeting a reduction in heavy industry carbon emissions.
“Hydrogen power means…Whyalla can make and export everything from renewable energy to green steel,” Dr Chalmers said.
“Seizing these kinds of industrial and economic opportunities will be the biggest driver and determinant of our future prosperity.”
City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone welcomed the budget’s focus on hydrogen production and renewable technologies, calling on the Federal Government to base the proposed growth centre in Whyalla.
“It feels like the eyes of the nation have been firmly focused on Whyalla recently, and this was confirmed in the Treasurer’s budget speech last night,” Cr Stone said.
“With the State Government the first cab off the rank in Australia to make a significant commitment and investment in green hydrogen production, it makes sense that the Federal Government’s Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre be located right here in the Whyalla green hydrogen precinct.
“Having State and Federal Governments aligned in their commitment to renewables and decarbonising industry is fantastic news for our entire nation and our environment, and it’s fantastic that it’s creating an increasingly stronger and more exciting short- and long-term future for Whyalla.”
Hydrogen Headstart will bridge the commercial gap for early‑stage projects, and position Australia as a world-leading hydrogen producer and exporter.
The Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre will receive $14.8m in Federal Government funding to support Australian businesses looking to manufacture, commercialise and adopt renewable technologies. This is in addition to up to $3 billion allocated to investment in low emissions technologies – including green metals – under the National Reconstruction Fund.
Premier Peter Malinauskaus is also continuing his hydrogen push, currently in Europe meeting with key players in the hydrogen and green steel manufacturing industries. This includes addressing the World Energy Storage Forum in Rotterdam to generate growing interest in partnering/investing in the State Government’s hydrogen projects.
“All of these announcements are great news, not only for our community, but for all those considering investing or starting a new business in Whyalla; or relocating for new opportunities,” Cr Stone said.
“Whyalla can be the exemplar, the first demonstration city of all things green hydrogen, using the technology and green hydrogen to transition local businesses and residents to clean, green fuels and their manufactured by-products.”
