The Australian Renewable Energy Agency on Wednesday (13 May) announced the shortlisted projects for Round 2 of the Hydrogen Headstart Program, marking a major step forward in scaling Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry. The projects selected to progress to the next stage in the application process are some of the most advanced large-scale renewable hydrogen proposals in the country, spanning multiple states and a range of end uses, including ammonia and alternative fuels. The Australian Government has revised the amount of funding allocated to the program in the 2026 Federal Budget to $1 billion, and ARENA will now invite shortlisted projects to submit full applications. The full application phase includes a rigorous assessment process and detailed due diligence. Applicants must satisfy program criteria, with only those that meet a high merit threshold being considered for funding. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the level of engagement in Round 2 of Hydrogen Headstart demonstrates that industry remains committed to building a renewable hydrogen sector in Australia. “Renewable hydrogen presents Australia with a significant economic and decarbonisation opportunity. Its potential to develop low-emission fuels for aviation and shipping, as well as key inputs for fertiliser could also help improve the nation’s energy resilience in the longer term,” he said. “Renewable hydrogen is a complex, capital-intensive industry and progress takes time, but it is a critical enabler of industrial decarbonisation, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors. What we’re seeing are expressions of interest that are considered and well aligned to future market demand.” The shortlisted applicants are: Announced in the 2023-24 Budget, the Hydrogen Headstart Program aims to catalyse Australia’s hydrogen industry to take advantage of the country’s opportunity to be a global hydrogen leader. Round 2 of Hydrogen Headstart builds on ARENA’s existing support of renewable hydrogen, with the Agency ha