Hydrogen Regulatory Review

A robust and supportive regulatory framework in Tasmania is an important enabler for the development of a safe and sustainable hydrogen industry.  We also appreciate the importance of national consistency where practicable, as a facilitator to development of the hydrogen industry in Tasmania.  This has naturally led to the development of a two-pronged approach, taking forward a review of the regulatory framework here in Tasmania and working with the Australian Government to develop nationally consistent approaches.

Given that hydrogen is an emerging industry, it is a significant body of work to develop a regulatory framework that:

• Addresses the many areas of the law (legislation, regulations and standards) relevant to the hydrogen industry
• Ensures safety of the community and industry at all times
• Considers the complexity of activities that a hydrogen industry will undertake
• Responds and remains adaptive to new technologies and commercial approaches as they develop
• Adopts a nationally consistent approach where appropriate, while ensuring state-based regulations are in place to reflect Tasmania’s unique situations.

We have completed an initial review of the existing legislation, regulations and standards relevant to the development of a green hydrogen industry in Tasmania.  Its purpose was to identify potential barriers, any regulatory gaps and mitigate risks to the community that may arise from this emerging industry.  This work involved the review of more than 70 pieces of legislation that are relevant to hydrogen.  Work has already started on legislative reform and we are now undertaking a more detailed review and overview of progress to date with the regulatory reform.

We have been collaborating with the Australian Government and the other state and territory governments via the National Legal Frameworks Review Working Group (LFRWG), to develop a nationally consistent regulatory environment for the growth of Australia’s hydrogen industry.  Reviewing the regulatory frameworks identified several barriers, which intersect with aspects of the hydrogen and ammonia industry, enabling several priority workstreams to be developed.  The next stage, which is anticipated to be delivered in 2023-24 will involve the delivery of these workstreams, when we will continue with our national engagement.

To support the regulatory review, a Tasmanian cross-agency and industry working group has been established, to consult and share information on key regulatory issues related to hydrogen.  Input from members of this group is invaluable to the delivery of an effective regulatory framework for Tasmania.