Eva Lawler
Minister for Renewables and Energy
Media Release
New Jobs, New Industry and More Renewables: Hydrogen Masterplan Released
6 October 2021
To guide further private investment and continue to work towards our renewables target, the Territory Labor Government has released the Renewable Hydrogen Masterplan.
The Territory is well placed to position itself at the forefront of the developing renewable hydrogen industry with large areas of land, high solar irradiance, close proximity to export markets, and an established world-scale energy production and export industry.
The emerging hydrogen sector in the Northern Territory could be similar to the existing export LNG market – it is projected to generate over $3.7 billion into our economy - meaning more jobs for Territorians.
Renewable hydrogen presents a significant opportunity for the Territory to simultaneously drive emissions reductions and economic growth by:
- extracting value from our Territory sunshine;
- meeting growing global demand for clean, green energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; and
- diversifying our economy.
The Masterplan charts a pathway for the Territory Government to accelerate the development of a renewable hydrogen industry and outlines the enabling activities needed to secure private sector investment, including:
1. Demonstration phase: The Government is currently working with proponents, to progress research and trials.
2. Targeted application: The second phase will see the development of hydrogen production and end-use technologies.
3. Large-scale production for export: The final stage will see production and use technologies sufficiently developed so they are cost competitive.
This week the Territory Labor Government released the Darwin –Katherine Electricity System Plan, which highlights the development of a renewable hydrogen industry supporting the Territory’s target of 50% renewables by 2030 and commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
To view the Hydrogen Masterplan visit: https://territoryrenewableenergy.nt.gov.au/
Quotes from Minister for Renewables and Energy, Eva Lawler:
“Our Master Plan sets the pathway to export renewable hydrogen. But it also sets the pathway for a hydrogen Territory to ensure that the social, environmental and economic benefits from renewable hydrogen are shared across the Territory.
“This is an exciting new industry that is set to create new jobs and generate $3.7 billion into our economy - creating further opportunities for innovative projects, contributing to our emissions reductions, and bringing more private investment to the Northern Territory.
“Our Masterplan explores opportunities to decarbonise our regional and remote areas using emerging hydrogen technologies, and I look forward to the results of the recent trial at Territory Generation’s Tennant Creek power station by Aqua Aerem that captures water from the atmosphere, providing a sustainable water supply needed for renewable hydrogen.”
Northern Territory Government