Australia is solidifying its ambitions to become the world’s hydrogen powerhouse, establishing a new trade pact with Japan in a bid to ramp up Australia’s hydrogen production and export capabilities. The government views hydrogen as a potential boon for the nation’s economy, with estimates outlining the industry could generate more than $50 billion (US$35.8 billion) in GDP and 16,000 direct jobs by 2050. The new $150 million Australian Clean Hydrogen Trade Program (ACHTP) will fund Australian-based hydrogen supply chain projects, as long as those projects are also able to secure overseas investment. Japan will become the first target of the first round of exports, part of the “Japan-Australia Partnership on Decarbonisation through Technology”—an existing joint treaty focusing on the development of low-emissions tech. Japan has been a focal point in Australia’s recent bilateral engagement, with the two nations signing a historic defence pact amid growing concerns of Chinese provocation in …