Queensland Hydrogen Report Highlights Townsville’s Potential
20 October 2022: Queensland Hydrogen Report Highlights Townsville’s Potential
Solar Citizens this morning responds to the launch of the Queensland Government’s Enabling Queensland’s hydrogen production and export opportunities report, which highlights that Townsville is one of the key Queensland locations for developing a renewable hydrogen industry.
“Townsville is noted for having hydrogen development potential because of the city’s port facilities and the region's excellent solar and wind resources,” said Stephanie Gray, Deputy Director of Solar Citizens.
“The report notes that the region has a huge 24,300 MW renewable energy potential. For context, right now there is only 3,000 MW of large-scale solar and wind projects operating in the State.
“The report also notes that collaboration between hydrogen developers is key to deliver common user infrastructure. We think there is a role for government to play in ensuring that there’s adequate collaboration and planning happening so that we’re building shared infrastructure that’s cost effective, has minimal environmental impacts and also benefits the community.”
Alongside the report, the Queensland Government announced up to $15 million to supercharge, coordinate and further plan for hydrogen hubs in key locations across the state.
“In Townsville there are three major renewable hydrogen proposals, but there’s also a number of proposals to manufacture clean technology like solar panels and battery materials,” said Ms Gray.
“The Townsville region is well-placed to become Australia’s first renewable energy-powered manufacturing and minerals processing hub, which is why we’d like to see the state and federal governments commit to do a planning study looking deeper at the region’s renewable hydrogen and manufacturing potential.
“To unlock Townsville's exciting clean economy and jobs potential we need all levels of government to work together to develop a comprehensive manufacturing plan for the region to best meet the emerging infrastructure and labour training needs.”
[ENDS]
Media contact: Stephanie Gray
Report available here.
