The hydrogen sector in Australia is gaining momentum. The potential role of hydrogen across the Australian industry to decarbonise, improve fuel security, and create new investment opportunities is being recognised.

The opportunities it presents, reach further than the sustainability benefits, recent scientific and government reports have found that hydrogen produced in Australia could be sold worldwide. One report calculated that global demand for hydrogen exported from Australia could be over three million tonnes by 2030, adding up to $10 billion to the economy.

I have been working closely with stakeholders to ensure Australia is on the forefront of these possibilities. This year has seen several standards being adopted from international standards bodies or published direct for Australian purpose, with no signs of standards development in the space slowing down.

The committee at the forefront of the work is ME-093, which includes Chairperson Rachelle Doyle, chartered engineer and new energy program manager, and the related working groups. The committee has been instrumental in modifying and adopting numerous standards, working with the government to move Australia towards a more sustainable future and ensuring the safe introduction of hydrogen into our communities.

ME-093 has been in operation for just over a year and has eight standards in the pipeline due for publication in the coming days and through to June. The work they have done is integral in supporting hydrogen use across sectors and I am incredibly proud to be a part of their passionate work.

“We are doing our due diligence, so whilst we’re pushing through fast, we aren’t rushing the work. I think it’s really impressive, the level of effort and passion our committee members and working groups are showing,” said Rachelle Doyle.

The opportunities Hydrogen presents Australian communities and economy are numerous, and I look forward to working further with the committees responsible for adopting and publishing these standards as well as working with international bodies to be part of the broader Hydrogen conversation.