Australia and Singapore will establish a A$30m ($23m) partnership to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen to reduce emissions in maritime and port operations, it has been revealed today (June 10).

The initiative will trial the use of clean hydrogen, clean ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives in shipping and port operations and explore the potential for hydrogen demand from the maritime sector.

Each country will commit up to A$10m ($7m) over five years to fund industry-led pilot and demonstration projects, with at least A$10m pf additional investment expected to be leveraged from industry.

The partnership recognises Singapore’s role as a major global shipping hub and Australia’s ambition to position itself as an emerging leader in the growing use of clean hydrogen and clean ammonia.

Building demand for future low emissions energy exports will help Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry to scale up, attract investment and additionally create jobs.

This will be critical to achieving the Technology Investment Roadmap goal of producing clean hydrogen at under $2/kg.

This is part of a plan for Australia to drive practical international partnerships to get new, clean energy technologies to commercial parity with existing approaches as part of a new A$565.8m ($436m) deal.

This builds on the existing Australian-Singaporean memorandum of understanding (MoU) on low emissions technologies and solutions.

Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister, said, “We’re working with partners around the world to make clean energy more affordable and reliable.

“We are positioning Australia to succeed by investing now in the new technologies that will support jobs and industries into the future.

“Developing new low emissions industries means more jobs for Australian workers, and cheaper energy means lower costs for businesses so they can reinvest in hiring more people.”

Angus Taylor, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, said, “We are working with our international partners and neighbours on practical commitments that will support technological innovation.

“Our joint investment with Singapore will attract investment into Australia, create jobs, reduce global emissions and help deliver on the goals of the Technology Investment Roadmap.”