Introduction to the National Hydrogen Regulatory Guidebooks

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has policy responsibility for the Australian Government’s energy policies and net zero commitments. The importance of hydrogen in Australia’s energy mix, meeting net zero commitments, as well as harnessing the economic opportunities presented by hydrogen, are all reflected in Australia’s updated National Hydrogen Strategy, which was drafted by the Department, and subsequently published and endorsed by all Australian governments in 2024. The updated National Hydrogen Strategy reinforces that efficient and fit-for-purpose regulation is the foundation for Australia’s hydrogen sector to grow in manner, which is safe, transparent, sustainable and retains community support.
The National Hydrogen Regulatory Guidebooks, which are a deliverable under the updated National Hydrogen Strategy, provide a roadmap to navigating Australia’s hydrogen regulatory frameworks, clarifies existing regulatory obligations and encourages national consistency wherever possible.

Our presentation will discuss the upcoming completion of the ‘National Hydrogen Regulatory Guidebooks’ and provide an overview of some of the insights gained through this project, including:
• An overview of Australia’s hydrogen regulatory architecture
• The role for the Guidebooks in providing confidence, trust and reassurance to the community on safety and environmental standards, and certainty to businesses wanting to know how to meet the regulatory obligations associated with their hydrogen projects.