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MOVING ON FROM FOSSIL FUELS: PROGRESSING AUSTRALIA TO A HYDROGEN ENERGY ECONOMY
16 June 2008

In the midst of rising oil prices and intensifying debate on renewable energy, the Australian Academy of Science has produced a report which examines Australia's contribution to research into hydrogen as a future energy carrier.

The report is timely as hydrogen energy research will be in the international spotlight this week when Brisbane hosts the 17th World Hydrogen Energy Conference.

The report is based on an analysis of Australian hydrogen energy research publications and funding. The study found that although Australian research is a minor component of this fast-moving field, Australian researchers are making significant contributions in areas such as in hydrogen storage materials, carbon capture and storage, and solar-thermal reforming of natural gas.

The report, Towards development of an Australian scientific roadmap for the hydrogen economy, also makes a number of recommendations for increased government support for hydrogen energy research and coordination. There is a very small research-based industry sector in Australia working on commercialisation of hydrogen energy technologies which will have difficulty in growing in this emerging technology area without government support.

The findings from the Academy report should be considered in conjunction with the four technology roadmaps commissioned by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) for hydrogen, geothermal, solar-thermal and coal gasification.

The Academy report calls for the development of an Australian Hydrogen Energy Initiative with continuing support for hydrogen energy R&D, establishment of an industry association, and funding for early-stage startup companies.

Professor Philip Kuchel, Secretary for Science Policy at the Academy said:

'Climate change concerns and alternative clean energy sources are the global challenges which will create the next major technology growth sectors since the emergence of advanced materials, information technology and biotechnology. Countries with targeted R&D strategies for reducing carbon emissions, and the development of cleaner energy sources for baseload power and for transport will be the early winners.'

This report builds on the outcomes from an Academy symposium, Science on the way to a hydrogen economy, which brought together international and Australian scientists to discuss research and development challenges for widespread and safe hydrogen production, storage, utilisation and distribution.

More information

The report: www.science.org.au/reports/hydrogen.pdf

World Hydrogen Energy Conference
15–19 June, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
www.aie.org.au/hydrogen_index.htm

Council of Australian Governments
www.coag.gov.au/