The national science agency will lead a $5 million international research collaboration program to develop Australia’s hydrogen capabilities.

CSIRO says the $5 million, two-year hydrogen research development and demonstration program is a key milestone in its hydrogen industry mission launched in May to bring down the cost of producing and distributing hydrogen.

The government has set a goal of bringing hydrogen production prices down to $2 per kilogram – the price at which it becomes competitive with higher emitting alternatives.

The new RD&D  program comes amid what mission leader Dr Patrick Hartley says is unprecedented momentum in the clean hydrogen space.

“CSIRO is well positioned to benefit from this emerging global and national opportunity to enable our transition to net zero emissions,” he said in a statement.

Researcher exchanges

The RDD&D program aims to foster collaboration between industry and researchers in Australia and overseas, build export pathways and advance low emission technologies.

Proposed activities include researcher exchanges and  collaborative events.

CSIRO Chief Executive Larry Marshall says hydrogen presents many opportunities.

“Our Hydrogen Industry Mission recognises that, as the global investment in clean energy ramps up, we need to be on the front foot and leverage international collaboration in hydrogen RD&D to give Australia the best advantage we can to capture this market opportunity,” he said.

Science and technology minister Christian Porter says the initiative will contribute to the development of a global clean hydrogen industry as well as ensuring Australia remains competitive.

“This program will also improve our understanding of future hydrogen supply chains and markets, and help us to harness the potential for an Australian clean hydrogen industry to grow our economy and create Australian jobs,” he said.

International partnerships

It comes after a series of low emissions partnerships between Australia and other nations.

In June the government inked a declaration of intent between Australia and Germany on a hydrogen accord, with a view to hydrogen trade agreements between the two countries.

The hydrogen accord will also establish a research and innovation incubator and enable collaboration on projects in Australian hydrogen hubs.

Australia has also signed low emissions agreements with Singapore and Japan.

Hydrogen is a key feature of the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap for developing and commercialising low emissions technologies.