The evolution of the Hunter's hydrogen economy is being stifled by a severe talent shortage in the hydrogen and engineering sectors, the industry group Engineers Australia believes.
Origin Energy cited the slow sector's close development in Australia as among the reasons for its shock exit from the $207 million Hunter Hydrogen Hub project last week.
Despite the company's withdrawal Origin chief executive Frank Calabria said the company continued to believe that hydrogen would play a role in Australia's future energy mix.
It's a view shared by Hunter stakeholders who see hydrogen as key plank in the Hunter's clean energy transition.
For it's part Orica, a partner in the Hunter Hydrogen Hub, has said it remains committed to the project, which it is relying on to reach its net zero targets.
As part of a push to progress the hydrogen sector, Engineers Australia through Engineering Education Australia and Deakin University has launched a suite of hydrogen energy micro-credentials to upskill the engineering workforce and support Australia's transition to net zero.
The project includes four micro-credentials: handling hydrogen for engineers, hydrogen fuel cell operation, safety and maintenance, hydrogen electrolysers, hydrogen in the built environment and hydrogen.
The training suite aims to bridge knowledge gaps for professionals across energy, transport, planning, water, and government sectors, equipping them with the necessary skills to safely and effectively advance the hydrogen economy.
"Research shows a severe talent shortage in hydrogen engineering is impacting our path to net zero," says Head of EEA Joel Evans. "These micro-credentials can bridge that gap by equipping engineers with the skills they need. Partnering with Deakin University allows us to offer practical, industry-focused education to support the profession's leading role in Australia's shift to clean energy."
More than 50 companies are continuing to progress hydrogen investments in Australia.
In addition to the Hunter Hydrogen Hub, the Port of Newcastle clean energy precinct, continues to attract strong international interest. South Korean energy giant Kepco is pushing ahead with plans to commence hydrogen and ammonia production at the precinct in 2028.
"Development of the Clean Energy Precinct via a $100m grant from the Commonwealth Government continues, with the precinct projected to be ready for the construction of production, storage, and transportation facilities in 2027," a Port of Newcastle spokesman said.
"We continue to attract international interest in our Clean Energy Precinct and are working on securing additional production and offtake deals."
Committee for the Hunter chief executive Alice Thompson said hydrogen represented a key opportunity as the Hunter transitions away from fossil fuels.
"Hydrogen is critical to heavy industry decarbonisation and our established industries like Orica," she said.
"It will create new jobs and economic opportunities, leveraging the things we are already good at including manufacturing, energy and clean tech, and our established infrastructure, skills and trade base."
