The “milestone” agreement was signed during a visit to Europe by Australia’s climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen to promote renewable energy ambition and cooperation.

Australia has an abundance of renewable energy – including solar and wind – giving it a natural advantage for extracting hydrogen from water for domestic and international supply. Its government has invested more than $525 million in hydrogen hubs across the country to date.

“Hydrogen is a critical technology for the changing global economy and working with countries like the Netherlands will help Australia realize job and investment opportunities of this new industry, and deliver energy security and emissions reductions for trading partners,” said Bowen. “With considerable renewable energy resources, Australia is in a strong position to export renewable energy, develop clean energy supply chains, and attract foreign investment.

The MoU covers various aspects, including hydrogen trade policy, standards and certification schemes, port infrastructure, hydrogen technologies and regulations, among others.

The MoU complements other agreements that Rotterdam has with a number of Australian states, including Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, to establish a large-scale hydrogen network between the two countries, potentially making the Dutch port an international hub for hydrogen imports, including for transport to other Northwest European countries.

The Port of Rotterdam is also involved in the HySupply feasibility study, which is exploring the possibilities and conditions for Australia to supply green hydrogen to Germany. The two-year study was expected to conclude last December.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist