Morrison Government’s clean hydrogen and CCS/CCUS funding offers pragmatic pathway

The Morrison Government’s announcement today to support new investments in clean hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies offers a pragmatic pathway to mobilising these critically important technologies which can sustainably support Australia’s economic interests and a net zero emissions future.

The announcement to invest a further $539.2 million is a positive step in regard to the continued development of a broad portfolio of commercially scalable low-emissions energy technologies.

It strengthens Australia’s national system of technological innovation which is critical to accelerate and scale-up national climate actions in support of the climate goals of the Paris Agreement.

There’s a race across the world to develop a hydrogen economy. With an abundance of natural feed stocks, Australia is well placed to take advantage of this approach.

The technology-led approach to meeting Australia’s 2030 target and ultimately net zero emissions aligns very strongly with the MCA’s Climate Action Plan.

The MCA has long advocated for a technology-neutral approach to reducing emissions which embraces global best practice and all technologies such as hydrogen, CCUS, advanced nuclear technology as well as renewables, gas, coal with CCUS and pumped hydro (among others).

Glencore’s CTSCo project at Millmerran power station in Queensland is demonstrating the potential of CCS to reduce emissions from Australia’s coal power stations, which still provide around 65 per cent of Australia’s electricity. This project also provides the basis for a carbon storage hub for existing and emerging industries in Queensland such as hydrogen.

Australia’s world-leading sustainable resources sector has been at the forefront of developing and adopting low-emissions technologies which are central to Australia’s and indeed global efforts to address climate change.

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