The Department of Energy and Public Works has linked with its equivalents in NSW and Victoria to announce a tri-State collaboration on a renewable hydrogen refuelling network.
In a statement, the Department said the network would benefit heavy transport and logistics along the eastern seaboard.
It said under a Memorandum of Understanding, the States had agreed to collaborate on the development of an east coast hydrogen refuelling network along the nation’s most critical roads and highways.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni said hydrogen presented an enormous opportunity for Queensland, including emissions reduction opportunities and fuel security benefits.
“When you consider the impacts of the COVID pandemic and international conflicts, it’s clear Australia must achieve energy independence to shield our nation from foreign companies and foreign powers,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Low emissions electricity and hydrogen-fuelled heavy transport will sit at the heart of the renewable energy eco-system,” he said.
Mr de Brenni said transport was the fastest growing sector for emissions — at the same time transport applications were one of the most economic uses of hydrogen.
“However, Government support is needed to help develop refuelling stations so transport companies can economically invest in new vehicles,” he said.
“We have also approved another regional hydrogen refuelling project through publicly-owned CS Energy and Japanese firm IHI.”
Mr de Brenni said this refuelling project in Chinchilla, west of Brisbane, brought to five the number of projects in delivery or development, with more to come.
