Innovatia

“ QUOTES “The automotive and energy industries are going through a once in several generations transition: from polluting internal combustion engines to low emission vehicles capable of being powered by 100% renewable electricity. The challenge for us all is this: how do we make the next generation of entrepreneurs recognise the same thing? How do we make ‘energy’ more exciting than ‘food delivery startup’? By first providing evidence that we, as a country, believe it.” - Tim Washington -CEO of JET Charge and Chair of EV Council “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” - Thomas A. Edison T ransition is innovation in action, and the widespread energy transition process our world is going through now has been a long time coming. Whilst navigating change typically involves overcoming challenges, one might argue that the payoff – international security and justice, better health, and the promise of a longer, better quality life – is worth just about any temporary discomfort that may arise. After all, in the case of the great energy transition, the alternative to change isn’t much of an alternative at all as we stare down the barrel of a future bereft of traditional fuels. It’s about time that we choose solutions, optimism and ultimately, transition.

tion for our existing exports, something that buyers of Australian products will increas- ingly scrutinise. Hydrogen has the potential to generate significant carbon offsets, par- ticularly as all sectors seek to reduce carbon intensity, ultimately bringing decarbonisa- tion targets closer within reach. For Australia, green hydrogen hubs may be the key to leveraging existing strengths to re- alise leadership potential in the nearer term. Utilising domestic demand to create expertise and scale could be the foundation for future export capability. Australia’s heavy industries are already supported by extensive infrastruc- ture that can be further developed to support green hydrogen production and use. An example is the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH). Strategically located in

Western Australia’s Pilbara region, the devel- opment is expected to have a total capacity of 26GW from onsite wind and solar to pro- duce green hydrogen and green ammonia, as well as supply low-cost renewable energy to support Pilbara mining and mineral process- ing operations. The project has the potential to catalyse transformational development across the Pilbara by lowering energy costs and greening supply chains. While AREH is expected to become oper- ational in 2027, it can provide a model for other hub projects that could come online sooner. Kate Vidgen is an executive director at Mac- quarie Group, the global head of Oil and Gas Principal for Macquarie Capital.

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INNOVATIA

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