The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the launch of the second round of its Hydrogen Headstart Program, offering up to AUD 2 billion (USD 1.3 billion) in funding to accelerate the development of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects across Australia.

The Expressions of Interest phase for Hydrogen Headstart Round 2 will run from October 10 to December 9. The initiative aims to further expand Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry by supporting commercially advanced, export-focused projects that can contribute to the country’s long-term decarbonisation goals.

Earlier this year, ARENA selected two flagship projects under the first Hydrogen Headstart funding round—Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ 1,500 MW Murchison Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia, and Orica’s Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub in New South Wales. These projects are intended to lay the foundation for large-scale hydrogen production and export infrastructure in Australia.

According to ARENA, the second round will build upon the lessons learned from its predecessors, with a focus on projects targeting high-priority use cases and cost reduction strategies. Eligible proposals may include initiatives that advance plant construction and design to lower capital costs, improve electrolyser efficiency, enhance operational flexibility to reduce renewable electricity costs, and develop end-use infrastructure for sectors such as green ammonia, iron and steel, aviation, and shipping.

“ARENA is aiming to bridge the gap between ambition and reality. We know that renewable hydrogen will play a critical role in decarbonising heavy industry, particularly in sectors where electrification is not feasible or alternatives are limited,” said ARENA CEO Darren Miller.

He added, “Getting renewable hydrogen to commercial scale will take time, innovation and ongoing support. By backing industry first-movers, ARENA is providing the certainty to invest, innovate and develop the next wave of projects and learnings.”

The Hydrogen Headstart Program reflects Australia’s growing commitment to becoming a global leader in renewable hydrogen production and export. Through this funding, ARENA continues to drive the nation’s clean energy transition by supporting innovation, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.

Source:

https://renewablesnow.com/news/arena-opens-second-usd-1-3bn-hydrogen-headstart-round-1283054/