New laws to drive green hydrogen industries, jobs – and slash emissions

• Bill opens new pipeline of emissions-slashing renewable hydrogen projects to the world
• Ensures pipeline of new opportunities for workforce in regional Queensland
• Supports up to 10,000 jobs and $33 billion in economic activity by 2040

Queensland Parliament has today passed legislation that will fast-track new industries and jobs, and lead to billions of dollars in investment and export.

The Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 passed in Queensland Parliament, unlocking an estimated 10,000 jobs and $33 billion in economic activity by 2040.

As well as ensuring growth in new industry and an uplift in Queensland’s economy, the changes to legislation will better safeguard the state’s natural environment.

The Bill means renewable hydrogen and gases can be piped safely across Queensland and to global trade partners turning to Queensland to help decarbonise their heavy haulage, shipping, aviation and industry.

Already, more than 50 hydrogen projects are underway across the state, including the Stanwell Corporation-led CQ-H2: Central Queensland Hydrogen Project in Gladstone – set to deliver $17.2 billion in hydrogen exports over 30 years.

Quotes attributable to Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister de Brenni:

“As the next frontier in Queensland’s energy industry, green hydrogen offers the greatest jobs, climate and export opportunity in a generation, and new laws will go a long way to helping our nation reach net zero by 2050.

“Not only will green hydrogen be a game changer for the transport, heavy haulage, shipping, and aviation industries, which currently account for more than 20% of Australia’s emissions – but it will also unlock a pipeline of new jobs in new industry.

“We’re delivering new regulations to make bottling Queensland’s sun, wind and water to help our international trading partners reach their net zero emissions commitments easier, while maintaining safety for everyone involved.”

Quotes attributable to Resources Minister Stewart:

“Ensuring we have the right policies in place to develop a hydrogen industry in Queensland is essential because it means good jobs into the future.

“The hydrogen industry must be developed in a way that ensures the safety of workers and the community is paramount.

“This legislation not only enables the transportation of hydrogen through pipelines but puts in place conditions to make sure it’s done safely.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Fiona Simon, CEO Australian Hydrogen Council:

“The Australian Hydrogen Council welcomes the progression of regulatory reforms in Queensland, which are critical for the hydrogen industry to plan and invest with confidence.

“It is important that states and territories address legislative barriers and extend regulation where appropriate to support the safe production, transportation and use of hydrogen.”

Quotes attributable to Michael O’Rourke, CEO Stanwell Corporation:

"Stanwell is committed to driving the development of Queensland's hydrogen industry, including through the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project.

“The passage of this legislation is an important milestone for the future of the industry. It is a critical step towards enabling the efficient transportation of hydrogen within Queensland that will help facilitate further progress in the development of this promising sector."

Further information

• The Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 brings changes to the Gas Supply Act 2003 and Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004.
• It will apply the existing safety frameworks for pipelines in Queensland to hydrogen and other renewable gases, including the requirement to develop safety management systems and comply with safety requirements.

• Queensland is fast becoming a world leader in renewable hydrogen.
• Aside from the CQ-H2 project, it is home to the world’s largest hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing facility, the Green Energy Manufacturing Centre.
• Initially, it’ll manufacture 2GW of electrolysers per annum – more than doubling current global production.
• Queensland last year announced a landmark collaboration with Victoria and NSW to establish a hydrogen refuelling network for heavy transport along the eastern seaboard.
• The first publicly accessible refueller at a service station on the super highway is open to the public at the BOC Bulwer Island site in Brisbane.
• The State Government has also announced construction of the $1 billion Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline. It’s expected to lock in water security for existing industries and unlock jobs in renewable hydrogen and manufacturing.

ENDS