Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 Passage
Removing the barriers for Queensland’s renewable hydrogen industry
Key actions of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan are underway with the passage of the Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) through the Queensland Parliament on 10 October 2023. The Bill was referred to the Transport and Resources Committee for consideration and received only 1 recommendation—that it be passed.
Passage of the Bill is a key milestone in the review and drafting of legislation to support the effective regulation of renewable hydrogen development and use in Queensland.
As the renewable hydrogen industry gains momentum in Queensland, the Bill addresses regulatory aspects that are critical to ensuring the industry evolves in a safe, transparent and sustainable manner to provide benefits to Queensland.
Whilst a broad regulatory assessment across the industry from renewable hydrogen production and storage to export and domestic markets is currently underway, the Bill addresses regulatory barriers related to the transport of hydrogen and other prescribed substances in pipelines as a priority issue.
What’s changing?
In Queensland, the Gas Supply Act 2003 (GS Act) and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (P&G Act) provide the approvals pathway for proponents seeking to transport gas through pipelines. The GS Act and the P&G Act have been reviewed in consideration of the changes to the National Gas Law (NGL).
The Bill will formally pass into law by proclamation via the Governor-in-Council at a later date. Once this happens, the Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 will formally amend the GS Act and the P&G Act to provide a clear approvals pathway for hydrogen and other prescribed substance pipelines, and to complement changes approved nationally by Energy Ministers to bring hydrogen blends, biomethane and other renewable gases within scope of the NGL.
- Last updated:
- 12 October 2023