Electrolyser manufacturing a $1.7 billion opportunity: CSIRO

A new report prepared by CSIRO has projected the nation’s hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing (HEM) sector could create $1.7 billion in revenue and nearly 4000 jobs by 2050. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the nation’s scientific agency said the research highlighted “a significant opportunity in manufacturing devices that generate hydrogen from water using electricity” from an existing “strong starting position”.

Companies such as Hysata and Hadean Energy (which uses CSIRO technology under licence) are among companies translating research into the electrolyser market.

Vivek Srinivasan, CSIRO Futures Energy Lead, said building a HEM sector “isn’t just about meeting immediate demand” but is “ an opportunity to develop an industry that adds long-term value”.

“By leveraging Australia’s renewable energy advantages and innovative R&D capabilities, Australia can become a player in this rapidly emerging sector – but we must act quickly while the opportunity is available to us,” said Srinivasan.

The report recommends key strategies including:

• Aggregated demand: Aligning with adjacent clean energy manufacturing opportunities to facilitate strategic investments and decisions. 
• Sovereign capabilities and international partnerships: Exploring international partnerships to preserve domestic value creation. 
• Strategic manufacturing hubs: Identifying and promoting manufacturing hubs that leverage Australia’s renewable electricity advantages, while managing inflexible costs such as labour and logistics.

The Hydrogen Electrolyser Manufacturing report can be read here.

Picture: credit CSIRO

Further reading

Fortescue opens Gladstone electrolyser facility

Electrolyser manufacturer Hysata closes $42.5 million Series A round

NSW’s first hydrogen electrolyser purchased for five-year trial

Novel hydrogen production tech from CSIRO passes 1,000-hour mark at BlueScope