Newly forged alliance to advance hydrogen collaboration and trade between Australia and Japan

The alliance between the Australian Hydrogen Council and JETRO cements the commitment of both entities to spearhead hydrogen as a key element in transitioning towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

AHC and JETRO
AHC CEO Fiona Simon and JETRO Managing Director Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Takayuki Watanabe. Image: Australian Hydrogen Council.

The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has signed a transformative pact with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). This Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) formalises a commitment to strengthening trade relations and advancing hydrogen priorities between Australia and Japan.

The official signing ceremony took place in Adelaide, amidst the gathering at the Australian Japan Business Cooperation Committee (AJBCC) conference on Transitioning Australia-Japan Energy Partnership.

The collaborative efforts outlined in the MoC encompass various approaches. These include joint committee participation, collaborative events tailored for SMEs and startups, knowledge exchange through reports and educational materials, and fostering dialogue on governmental policies and funding avenues within the hydrogen domain.

Takayuki Watanabe, the Managing Director of JETRO for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, said, “We are pleased to be partnering with the Australian Hydrogen Council. We believe that hydrogen will play an important role in maintaining and improving bilateral relations, and this MoC will lead to more knowledge sharing between our two counties.

“We also believe that start-ups with new technologies and flexible ideas will be key to solving our challenges. JETRO, which promotes open innovation, would like to work on collaboration between Australian universities and start-ups and Japanese companies in the hydrogen sector as well, and we are confident that the MoC with AHC will help to accelerate these efforts.”

Dr. Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council, said, “The AHC has been closely monitoring the developments of the hydrogen industry in Japan and is proud to strengthen Australia’s progress by formalising these industry partnerships.

“This cooperative endeavour exemplifies the continued journey towards sustainable energy solutions, setting a precedent for future collaborations.

“With Japan as a top trading partner for Australia, the Australian Hydrogen Council intends to champion collaboration between the two nations to accelerate both hydrogen industries through strong bilateral ties and cooperation.”

To read more about JETRO, go to their website here.

Industry Partners