Mayor welcomes city’s nomination as hydrogen cluster

Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed today’s announcement that Townsville’s NQH2 Consortium has been named one of three new hydrogen clusters.

Cr Hill said the designation as a hydrogen cluster was recognition of the city’s work to position itself as an ideal location for renewable energy manufacturing and in particular the aspiration to become a future leader in hydrogen production and export in Australia.

“I commend the work of the NQH2 Consortium in demonstrating to the Australian Government that Townsville has what is needed to become a national and international leader in hydrogen production and export,” Cr Hill said.

“Green hydrogen will be an energy of the future and Townsville and North Queensland is uniquely placed to be able to supply green hydrogen to both domestic and export markets.

“We have substantial suitable land and renewable energy capacity, undersubscribed use of the North Queensland Gas Pipeline and renewable energy projects and the deep-water Port of Townsville through which hydrogen can be exported.

“We already have a number of proponents looking to develop hydrogen production facilities in the city including Ark Energy, Origin Energy and Edify Energy.

“These developments will provide an economic boon for the city, especially secure jobs not only through construction of the production facilities but also once operational.

“Now that it has named the NQH2 Consortium as a hydrogen cluster, I hope the Australian Government will back this developing industry with the financial and other support it needs to achieve its full potential.”