Australia and Germany have signed an agreement in Brisbane to strengthen their cooperation in energy and climate efforts. The agreement includes support for developing new supply chains for renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.

A €400 million H2Global funding window will be created to link European buyers with Australian producers of renewable hydrogen through auctions. Both governments have agreed to share the costs of the bilateral H2Global auction framework equally.

The two countries have also agreed to elevate their existing energy partnership to an energy and climate partnership, aiming to advance their joint efforts in climate protection, energy efficiency, and energy security, and to enhance cooperation in the trade of renewable hydrogen. Two declarations of intent were signed in Brisbane by Australia's Minister for Climate and Energy, Chris Bowen, and German State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Anja Hajduk.

The H2Global window will provide Australian manufacturers with opportunities to export to some of the world’s largest renewable hydrogen markets, including Germany. This initiative will help build new green supply chains to Europe and support a future “Made in Australia.” The auctions for green hydrogen products are a significant step towards transforming Germany’s industrial base, achieving climate goals, and securing future-oriented jobs in Germany.

Robert Habeck, Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, stated: “Germany and Australia are pioneers on the path to a sustainable industry and society. (...) The signing of the energy and climate partnership and the agreement on bilateral H2Global auctions today is a significant step forward in our joint commitment to addressing these challenges of our time. This partnership is not just a statement but a pathway to tangible actions that will strengthen our economies and support the global transition to net-zero energy consumption. We are confident that the energy and climate partnership will offer numerous opportunities for fruitful private cooperation. And we are optimistic that the joint hydrogen auctions under H2Global will stimulate the market and provide the urgently needed price signals.”

Chris Bowen, Australia's Minister for Climate and Energy, added: “Renewable hydrogen is key to Australia’s export prosperity in the 21st century. The world needs it. We can produce it. And we can deliver it to our partners or use it in Australia to manufacture environmentally friendly products, chemicals, and fuels for export worldwide. Australia has the sun and wind to become a superpower in renewable energy, and a well-earned reputation as a reliable energy supplier. A strong international hydrogen market supports our joint industrial decarbonization and promotes energy security in both Australia and Germany. We are fortunate to be working so closely with like-minded partners on this historic initiative. These negotiations under the H2Global mechanism and the expanded partnership with Germany will enable us to jointly seize the opportunities of hydrogen and contribute to realizing Australia’s potential as a renewable energy superpower.”