Hydrogen is Australia's next multi-billion-dollar export opportunity.
Modelling for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has forecast Australian hydrogen exports could contribute $1.7 billion and 2,800 jobs to the national economy by 2030.
South Australia has the wind, sun, land, infrastructure and skills to be a world-class hydrogen supplier.
As part of South Australia's Hydrogen Action Plan, the state government commissioned a detailed study of large-scale clean hydrogen production in South Australia, to identify the full extent of the state's potential.
The study examined the production costs, supply chain and infrastructure required to support hydrogen exports from renewable or gas resources.
Five locations were identified for their hydrogen export potential, including:
- Port Bonython
- Cape Hardy/Port Spencer
- Port Adelaide
- Myponie Point
- Port MacDonnell
Deepening trade relations
In 2021 the South Australian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Port of Rotterdam Authority (Europe's largest port) to study the feasibility of the large-scale export of green hydrogen made in South Australia to Rotterdam.
The study shows South Australian hydrogen is expected to be competitive on the future hydrogen market in Rotterdam and could supply up to 10% of Rotterdam's hydrogen requirements in 2050. Rotterdam's hydrogen demand is forecast to reach 18 million tonnes per annum by 2050.