Australia has been urged to use "all the tools available" to deploy renewable energy as quickly as possible as the world faces the immense environmental challenge posed by climate change.
Former Chief Scientist Alan Finkel has told the Australian Hydrogen Council in Adelaide that to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the impact of global warming, human civilisation was undertaking the biggest transformation of energy systems since the taming of fire.
"So substantial that in the naming traditions of the stone age, the iron age, the bronze age, and the industrial age, it could be argued that we are entering the electric age," Dr Finkel said.
"We need to use all the tools available to us to deploy renewable energy as quickly as possible.
"The key to bringing net-zero (emissions) within reach will be to electrify everything."
Dr Finkel conceded that electricity would not be ideal in some circumstances, highlighting the need for hydrogen and other products.
But he said the urgency of the situation was underscored by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which had thrust energy security into the spotlight.
"Australia can and should play a key role as a reliable and trusted partner in exporting energy at scale, in the form of hydrogen and its derivatives, to our friends and neighbours around the world," he said.
"Australian governments and industry are taking decisive action to make this happen.
"This will bolster our partners' energy security and help them on the path to net-zero."
Earlier, the incoming federal government was urged to provide policy certainty for the hydrogen sector.
Australian Hydrogen Council chief executive Fiona Simon said the government must urgently introduce measures to create a market for hydrogen.
"The eyes of the new energy world are fixed on Australia. Our trade partners are closely watching how we develop this market," Dr Simon said.
"But the hydrogen economy can't wait for market forces alone to drive decarbonisation. We need policy certainty and coordination to get this market to scale.
"This could include market mechanisms to value carbon emissions, clean energy and fuel standards, taxation support for research and development, new investment and targeted transition deadlines."
Dr Simon said pressure was mounting as the effects of climate change became increasingly evident and energy security remained a priority issue across the world.
"The time for action is now," she said.
The two-day Australian Hydrogen Conference has brought together energy experts from across the sector to explore the latest projects, challenges, opportunities and lessons and to help shape the industry's future.
