A network of regional hydrogen technology clusters has today been unveiled across Australia, as part of a drive to establish a nationwide hydrogen cluster. The “Hunter Region Hydrogen Technology Cluster” was one of 13 clusters nationally that were successful in its bid to be part of the national cluster network. As the only NSW successful bid, it is supported by three regions, The Hunter, Orana and the Central Coast together with a growing consortium of partners. Central Coast Industry Connect is representing the Central Coast.
Spearheaded by National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), the national cluster will establish a global identity and a recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise. It will also aid the development of the hydrogen supply chain, reduce overlaps and identify gaps in the development, deployment, and commercialisation of new hydrogen focused technologies.
Through the consortia, the cluster members will contribute to NERA’s national hydrogen network and drive investment and economic activity. It will do this by delivering programs to accelerate knowledge exchange, building capacity through skill development, drive business growth through innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly with start ups and SME’s, attracting investment and business activity into the hydrogen sector, supporting the opportunity for large scale regional demonstration amongst cluster members and building the Hunter and supporting regions’ competitive advantage in the hydrogen sector.
Frank Sammut Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect said “As a region we have an opportunity to work with the Hunter to deliver the cluster initiatives. The Hunter is well placed to pivot its current energy assets into the transition to hydrogen, having the energy infrastructure through its electricity and gas network and the Port of Newcastle, research capability with CSIRO energy Centre and the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and a strong manufacturing base and skilled energy and resources workforce.”
“For the Central Coast it means opportunities for our local manufacturers to be part of the Hydrogen supply chain, opportunities to bring new skills into the region and to build on our already small but growing hydrogen energy sector. Through our collaboration with the consortia, as a region we will have the opportunity to be part of the scale up and transition to the new hydrogen and energy economy.”
Total funding for the cluster is $200,000 made up of funds from NERA and industry contributions. More information Here
