Regional hydrogen technology clusters – HT2CA

H2TCA is a network of hydrogen technology clusters that spans across Australia to enable the vital connection, collaboration and alignment of action across the country to support the emerging hydrogen industry.

The hydrogen technology cluster network is helping to accelerate the development of the hydrogen equipment, technology and services (HETS) sector to drive market activation, establishing a global identity and recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise.

NERA, in partnership with governments and industry, formed the cluster network to build the skills, capability and commercialisation opportunities in the emerging hydrogen industry.

To find out more on the clusters, hydrogen events, hydrogen technologies, industry events and other hydrogen-related information, follow H2TCA on LinkedIn.

Background : Regional hydrogen technology clusters (H2TCA)

NERA implemented the Regional Hydrogen Technology Clusters Program to help build the skills, capacities and commercialisation opportunities necessary to unlock Australia’s enormous potential to create a globally competitive hydrogen industry that could add up to $26 billion and thousands of jobs to the national economy by 2050.

2019
In November 2019, the Council for Australian Governments (COAG) released the National Hydrogen Strategy, which detailed the development of a national cluster, to be led by NERA.

The Regional Hydrogen Technology Clusters Program continues NERA’s strong track record of facilitating and funding the formation and development of two industry-led, energy related clusters — a subsea oil and gas cluster (Subsea Innovation Cluster Australia (SICA)) and an ocean energy cluster (Australian Ocean Energy Group (AOEG).

2020
In February and March 2020, NERA held 11 workshops across Australia, consulting with almost 300 hydrogen industry professionals and interested stakeholders. A summary of the outcomes from the consultation process can be accessed here or via the link below.

In September 2020, NERA called for expressions of interest (EOIs) to the Regional Hydrogen Technology Clusters Seed Funding Program from businesses and consortiums with a clear focus on commercial outcomes, that demonstrated a commitment and capability to establish and/or grow a hydrogen technology cluster in a specified region within Australia. EOIs closed in October 2020.

2021
In February 2021, NERA announced an investment of $1.85M from NERA, state governments and industry in 13 hydrogen clusters across all Australian states and territories.

In May 2021, NERA and the Queensland Government announced a commitment of $100,000 to support two additional hydrogen technology clusters in Gladstone and Toowoomba, bringing the total of regional clusters to 15 across Australia.

In September 2021, the South Australian Government announced a $100,000 contribution to SA-H2H, matching NERA’s six-figure seeding contribution.

In December 2021, three new clusters were established in Queensland (Townsville) and Western Australia (the Gascoyne and the Mid West regions), bringing the total to 18 clusters.

The investment to date from NERA, state governments and industry across the 18 hydrogen technology clusters in the network is $2.165M.

2022
In June 2022, the Victorian State Government made a further commitment of $320,000 to continue to support the Victorian Hydrogen Cluster Network until 30 June 2023.

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