On 20 September 2021, the Federal Government released a statement unveiling their AUD$464m Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs grant program (the Program). An additional AUD$150m and a further two locations now extends the Program to seven prospective locations across Australia which include: Bell Bay (TAS), Darwin (NT), Eyre Peninsula (SA), Gladstone (QLD), Latrobe Valley (VIC), Hunter Valley (NSW) and Pilbara (WA).
The Program provides for up to $3m grants for project consortia to undertake feasibility and design work, and up to $70m for the completion of projects. The Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor stated that “The development of Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs would help the emerging industry work towards achieving the stretch goal of hydrogen production at under $2 a kilogram under the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap.”
The Program applies to all parts of Australia, but these seven locations have been identified by the Federal Government following strong interest and activity from industry participants and based on each location’s existing infrastructure and capabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible entities
To be eligible applicants must have an Australian business number (ABN).
Applicants must also be an entity incorporated in Australia, or an Australian State/Territory Government agency or body.
Joint applications
An application must be a joint application with at least one project partner. However, the Federal Government would prefer applications with multiple project partners.
Joint applications must have a lead organisation. They will be the main driver of the project and must be eligible to apply.
If an application is successful, the lead applicant must manage the project on behalf of the consortium.
Project requirements
Applicants must be able to certify that their board supports the project. If there is no board, then the chief executive officer or equivalent must support it.
Applicants must also certify they can complete the project and meet the costs not covered by the grant funding.
Knowledge sharing
Applicants must agree to publicly share knowledge and information about and resulting from their project.
How to apply
To apply for a grant under this Program, applicants must submit their application through the online portal. For more information, please visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hydrogen-hubs-development-grants.
We at Hamilton Locke are already engaged with our clients in relation to this Program and we will be assisting in preparing applications to the Federal Government in the coming weeks. Please get in touch with our New Energy lead, Matt Baumgurtel, should you wish to discuss.
The Hamilton Locke team advises across the energy project life cycle – from project development, grid connection, financing, and construction, including the buying and selling of development and operating projects. For more information, please contact Matt Baumgurtel.
