The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has welcomed the landmark investment by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) of up to $12.5 million to help Queensland-based AHC member Ark Energy Corporation to produce green hydrogen to power fuel cell electric trucks.

Dr Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) says “We are delighted to see this funding from the CEFC through the Advancing Hydrogen Fund to support hydrogen production, refuelling infrastructure and five zero emissions trucks.

“Queensland has chased the hydrogen opportunity with gusto, and this is just another example of Queensland delivering on its ambition to develop a world-leading hydrogen industry.

“In the AHC’s recent whitepaper, we called for a Net Zero Fund to assist specific applications that are more dependent on hydrogen for decarbonisation like heavy transport.

“The Australian Hydrogen Council sees the trials of hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks as an immediate priority, given the need to procure vehicles. 

“We have an enormous opportunity in Australia to create a vibrant hydrogen industry, both for domestic use and export but taking up hydrogen won’t happen without buy-in, funding, co-ordination and the right policy settings from governments.

“An acceleration of government policy can get the nation to net zero faster, and it can leverage the incredible resources already being invested by other states and corporations. “

“In the AHC’s recent whitepaper, we called for a Net Zero Fund to assist specific applications that are more dependent on hydrogen for decarbonisation like heavy transport.

“The Australian Hydrogen Council sees the trials of hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks as an immediate priority, given the need to procure vehicles. 

“We have an enormous opportunity in Australia to create a vibrant hydrogen industry, both for domestic use and export but taking up hydrogen won’t happen without buy-in, funding, co-ordination and the right policy settings from governments.

“An acceleration of government policy can get the nation to net zero faster, and it can leverage the incredible resources already being invested by other states and corporations. “