Businesses and decision-makers from around regional Queensland will connect with energy leaders, experts and academics at the Palaszczuk Government's first-ever regional Hydrogen Industry Forum in Townsville next month.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it made sense for Townsville to be involved in the conversation about Queensland's hydrogen future.
"We talked about Townsville being part of Queensland's hydrogen future during the recent regional parliament," the Premier said.
"I asked State Development Minister Cameron Dick to make this happen because this could mean even more jobs for Townsville."
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the industry breakfast event will explore the billion-dollar opportunities for hydrogen production and projects in Queensland's future.
"We are committed to creating jobs in our regions. The development of a sustainable and competitive hydrogen industry has the potential to provide a new source of economic growth, open export markets and generate hundreds of highly-skilled jobs," Mr Dick said.
"Townsville's first-ever Hydrogen Industry Forum, on Wednesday 20 November, will bring together a line-up of hydrogen expertise including Queensland's Strategic Hydrogen Advisor Professor Ian Mackinnon, Origin Energy's General Manager Hydrogen Felicity Underhill, and Townsville Logistics' Chief Executive Officer Mark Pope."
Mr Dick said Hydrogen is widely considered to be the ultimate clean, renewable fuel and Queensland is well placed to produce renewable hydrogen at scale and establish itself as a major producer.
"We have dedicated areas in North Queensland to support the creation of major industrial developments, significant renewable energy generation capacity, potential industrial customers, a highly skilled workforce, first-class export facilities, and strong trade links," Mr Dick said.
"With tremendous business capability already in the region, this industry forum will bring together industry leaders wanting to exchange information and learn about opportunities in renewable hydrogen production and use."
The Townsville forum follows the release of the government's five-year $19 million Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy.
"As a key part of that strategy, a $15 million Hydrogen Industry Development Fund was set up to support companies to develop renewable hydrogen projects in Queensland that will boost innovation and empower our regions," Mr Dick said.
The Townsville Hydrogen Industry Forum will be held at The Ville Resort and Casino at Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville from 7.00am to 9.00am.
