Europe’s bid to stake a claim rivalling that of Japan and Korea over Australia’s huge potential in green hydrogen – the energy source that could power the 21st century – is gathering steam, as state governments step up their overtures to potential European partners and customers.

Queensland’s trade promotion office in London last year ran a marathon of virtual roadshows in European capitals, while West Australian Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan sat down for a Zoom meeting with Dr Falk Boemeke from the German Energy Ministry just before Christmas.