Canada and Australia sign MOU to increase collaboration in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies
July 7, 2020
VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) and Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration between Canada and Australia in the commercial deployment of zero-emission hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
The MOU outlines various areas of cooperation between the Canadian and Australia sectors including identifying opportunities for joint projects in mining and transportation, exchanging market intelligence and best practices for codes and standards, developing common messages to raise awareness of the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cells, and promoting business and research collaboration.
“Canada’s hydrogen and fuel cell sector looks forward to working with our colleagues in Australia to advance hydrogen energy and spur government-industry engagement”, said Mark Kirby, President and CEO of the CHFCA. “Hydrogen is essential to decarbonizing Canada and Australia’s transportation, mining, industrial processing, and heating sectors while providing an economical and efficient choice for our citizens and industry.”
Fiona Simon, CEO of the AHC added, “International collaboration is a crucial part of building a competitive hydrogen industry that drives economic growth, creates jobs and provides a new way to power industries and homes. That is why the Australian Hydrogen Council is pleased to sign an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) so we have a framework to share research and promote industry development in Australian and Canada. The hydrogen industry in Canada is ambitious, just as we are in Australia, and I look forward to working with the CHFCA to build a platform for collaboration that benefits both countries.”
Recognized internationally as a global leader and pioneer in hydrogen and fuel cell research, development and commercialization, Canada is home to a significant concentration of hydrogen and fuel cell expertise that represents all elements within the supply chain.
“The MOU between the AHC and the CHFCA presents an opportunity to deliver additional commercial outcomes in the hydrogen sector between Australia and Canada”, says Dr. Grayson Perry, senior trade and investment commissioner at Austrade Canada. “Increased investment, trade, research collaboration and information exchange between both countries will be a great dividend from this new partnership.”
The Australian government unveiled its national hydrogen strategy in November 2019 and pledged A$300 million ($191 million USD) to jumpstart hydrogen projects with the help of low-cost financing and build the industry by 2030.
“The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service team in Australia has been actively engaging with members of the Australian Hydrogen Council, and Canadian leaders in hydrogen related technology for several years”, said Kishani Navaratnam, Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney. “ We have observed a strong build up of momentum for investment in Australia, and are pleased that this MOU will help contribute Canadian expertise to the growth of an exciting hydrogen industry, advancing the goals of both Australia and Canada in sustainable energy and job creation.”
The CHFCA and AHC represent world-leading companies and organizations in the global hydrogen and fuel cell sector and span the full supply chain ranging from fuel cell developers, hydrogen producers, vehicle manufacturers, components suppliers, academia, engineering and service providers, fuelling infrastructure and storage specialists, and more.
About the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association
The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) is a national association that supports industry, academia, government agencies, financial organizations and other stakeholders focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products. As the collective voice of Canada’s world-leading hydrogen and fuel cell sector, the CHFCA’s mission is to strengthen Canadian leadership, raise awareness of the benefits of the technology, and accelerate the adoption of its members’ products and services in Canada and abroad. Headquartered in Vancouver, the CHFCA currently has more than 50 members across Canada. You can also follow CHFCA on Twitter at @PoweringNow or visit www.chfca.ca for more information.
About the Australian Hydrogen Council
The Australian Hydrogen Council is the peak body for the hydrogen industry in Australia, with members from across the hydrogen value chain, including vehicle manufacturers, energy companies, infrastructure providers, research organizations and governments. The council serves to connect the emerging hydrogen industry and its stakeholders in building a secure, clean and resilient energy future based on hydrogen.
About Austrade
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is Australian federal government’s trade and investment promotion agency. Austrade helps Australian businesses grow by linking them to global export opportunities . Austrade helps start-ups innovate and go global and we promote Australia’s leading-edge education services to the world to help drive growth in this sector. Austrade also helps attract game-changing investment to Australia, to support new industries, enhance existing ones and bolster our world-class research and development – strengthening global supply chains, creating local jobs and boosting the economy. With over 80 offices around the world, Austrade’s experts in Australia and abroad collaborate to provide the best ‘in-country’ advice. Austrade’s diverse team, consisting of country experts, industry specialists, and trade and investment analysts, provides clients with actionable macro and micro insights. More information on Austrade’s work and global presence can be found at www.austrade.gov.au.
About Trade Commissioner Service
Part of Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is a network of more than 1000 trade professionals working in Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates located in 161 cities around the world and with offices across Canada. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service offers four key services which are designed to support the growth of Canadian companies internationally. The TCS’ four key services are include preparing Canadian companies for international markets, providing an assessment of the company’s potential in a target market through the use of market intelligence and providing advice on market strategies, finding qualified contacts, and resolving problems and business challenges.