NERA has unveiled a network of 13 regional hydrogen technology clusters as part of a drive to establish a nation-wide hydrogen cluster. With $1.85 million to be invested in the clusters, the network will foster a multi-billion dollar and globally competitive hydrogen industry on Australian shores.

Spearheaded by NERA, the national cluster (which would operate as a virtual network) will establish a global identity and a recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise.

It will also aid the development of the hydrogen supply chain, reduce overlaps and identify gaps in the development, deployment, and commercialisation of new hydrogen-focussed technologies.

NERA chief executive Miranda Taylor says the announcement was a crucial step in building the skills, capacities and commercialisation opportunities necessary to unlock Australia’s enormous potential to create a globally competitive hydrogen industry that, according to a 2019 Deloitte report, could increase Australia’s GDP up to $26 billion.

“Today marks a great step forward in Australia’s capability in developing hydrogen technologies,” Miranda says.

“These regional clusters, all of which have the support of their state and territory governments, have been established around key, existing hydrogen projects and technology supply chains in strategic locations that have a demonstrated capacity to support them.

“This will ensure long-term local cohesion and sustainable capability across the emerging hydrogen value chain.”

The development of a national hydrogen cluster was identified by the 2019 National Hydrogen Strategy as an important component to scale up Australia’s domestic industry to become a global hydrogen competitor.