The Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen - Australia
In both the Netherlands and Australia, there is a need to accelerate the energy transition to build future-proof economies, address urgent sustainability agendas, and secure energy supply.
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AUS - NL Cooperation in the Energy Transition
The Netherlands and Australia have been collaborating informally in the area of the energy transition over the years. This co-operation has in January 2023 eventuated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Netherlands and Australia to support the development of renewable hydrogen supply chains from Australia to Europe. The Netherlands is on track to be the first country in northwestern Europe to have the infrastructure in place for the large-scale import of hydrogen.
Partners in International Business Hydrogen
Hydrogen will play a significant role in the energy system of tomorrow; unlocking its potential requires working together on the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen, from storage and transport to production and application.
In conjunction with the signing of the MoU between Australia and the Netherlands, the Dutch government started a Partnership in International Business (PIB) program on hydrogen. The H2 Australia program aims to support the upcoming hydrogen industry by stimulating bilateral exchanges between Australian and Dutch businesses, knowledge institutes and the government. The Netherlands is also a proud contributor to the H2 Global Fund created by the German government to stimulate the offtake of green hydrogen globally. The Netherlands government currently contributes up to one quarter of the total fund, amounting to €300 million.
Since its inception in 2023 there have been several trade missions and delegations going both ways to attend events such as the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, and the Asia Pacific Hydrogen Summit in Australia. During the 2023 mission to Australia, the Dutch business delegation was accompanied by the Secretary-General for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.
Australia and the Netherlands collaborate on challenging international topics such as how to improve and maintain the social license for hydrogen, what is renewable hydrogen, and how can we best certify it.
Energy Transition
As energy transition is broader than just hydrogen, the Netherlands continues to explore new avenues for collaboration with Australian counterparts. An area of interest is the offshore wind sector for which the regulatory framework in Australia was established in 2022, and with the first project tenders being awarded as of the end of 2024.
Other focus areas include sustainable sourcing of minerals needed for the energy transition, such as lithium, nickel, and graphite, in which Australia is rich. The Netherlands and Europe are looking to work together with Australia to establish a strong and robust ESG framework around sustainable supply chains.
Combining the above with Australia’s ambitions to be a renewable energy powerhouse, there are significant opportunities for Dutch businesses and investors which we look forward to facilitate.