NT Government to invest $5m into renewable hydrogen industry

The Territory government will spend millions to boost the transition for the NT to develop and become a global leader in the hydrogen industry.

THE Territory will spend millions to boost the transition for the NT to develop and become a global leader in the hydrogen industry.

The NT Government will invest $5m over a four-year period, which will fund multiple strategies to encourage a smooth transition to renewable energy.

These include upskilling the local workforce; infrastructure and land planning; establishing standards and regulations for the production, transportation, storage and use of hydrogen; community education; and establishing early commercial opportunities.

Companies have announced projects in the Territory, including Aqua Aerem’s $15bn Desert Bloom project in Tennant Creek and Global Energy Ventures on the Tiwi Islands.

Minister for Renewable Energy Eva Lawler inspects Aqua Aerem's mini hydrogen plant with, from left to right, Jarrod Ward, Gerard Reiter, Anthony Reiter and Steven Vassiloudis, which will be trialled at Tennant Creek. Picture: Gary Shipway

These projects will capitalise on global markets with export shipments expected to start in 2026.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Territory’s Labor government was accelerating the development of renewable industry to create opportunities for the NT.

“This innovative industry brings significant opportunities for the Territory, creating jobs and new avenues for business and for our economy,” she said.

“We are hunting every opportunity to accelerate the development of the renewable hydrogen industry and making sure the Territory is ready and poised as a competitive investment destination.”

According to the government, there is high interest in renewable hydrogen globally.

Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said the funding would benefit Territorians environmentally and economically.

“Our government is developing a green hydrogen industry because it is a clean, sustainable and secure source of renewable energy that will benefit all Territorians,” she said.