Queensland has launched a draft safety code of practice for the green hydrogen industry, as part of its efforts to prepare the workforce for emerging jobs in the industry. Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said Queensland will be the first state to develop a clear pathway for hydrogen safety system compliance. The draft code proposes alternative means of achieving a safe outcome where existing obligations in the current legislation are problematic for hydrogen fuel applications. It will be routinely reviewed and revised as new standards, competencies and applications are developed.

“Green hydrogen is an emerging industry which will create new jobs throughout regional Queensland, which is why it’s important the right safety guidelines are in place. Current legislation and safety requirements are tailored for traditional products like LPG and natural gas and do not specifically target hydrogen fuel applications. The draft code will deliver a framework to outline minimum safety requirements and give businesses certainty that they are compliant,” Stewart said.

Stewart said the draft code will be useful for applications that use hydrogen as a fuel gas and will provide guidance to the industry about safe operations, regulatory compliance and approval processes. Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said green hydrogen is key to diversifying Queensland’s energy sector and growing more jobs in more industries — as a result, ensuring the safety of workers and the public is paramount.

“As we grow the future fuels value chain, workers and unions have told us they want their workplaces and processes to meet the highest safety requirements, so the Palaszczuk government will lead as the first jurisdiction to establish a hydrogen code of practice. We know our global partners want to do business with Queensland because they trust we will deliver a guaranteed clean energy supply chain, as well as high ethical, operational and workplace safety standards,” de Brenni said.

The Queensland Government has demonstrated its support for green hydrogen, through its $2 billion Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Jobs Fund with projects across the state. The state government also secured an electrolyser manufacturing plant in Gladstone, fuel cell manufacturing in Springfield and the tri-state Hydrogen Superhighway agreement with New South Wales and Victoria. Minister Stewart said Resources Safety and Health Queensland had consulted with industry and business to develop the draft code, which is now open for consultation.

“As the first cab off the rank in Australia, it’s important to get feedback from a range of stakeholders during the consultation period. I encourage peak bodies, other state regulators, hydrogen companies and businesses that are planning a hydrogen project to step forward and provide input. Together we will be leading the way in development of a code to guide safe development of the industry as it takes off in Queensland,” Stewart said.

Once the feedback is considered, the policy approach and relevant legislative amendments will be finalised later in 2022.

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