Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Act 2023 Commencement

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 have concluded with formal commencement of the Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Act 2023 (the Act) on 4 April 2024.

The Act broadens Queensland’s existing pipeline framework to enable hydrogen and other renewable gases to be transported in pipelines.

Commencement of the Act is a key milestone in the progression of legislative change to support the effective regulation of renewable hydrogen development and use in Queensland.

As the renewable hydrogen industry gains momentum in Queensland, the Act addresses regulatory aspects that are critical to ensuring the industry evolves in a safe, transparent and sustainable manner to provide benefits to Queensland.

Public consultation on a broader regulatory review of the renewable hydrogen industry recently closed. A consultation report outlining findings and any further planned reforms is expected to be published later in 2024.

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 Act formally commenced on 4 April 2024. The Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Act 2023 amends the GS Act and the P&G Act to provide a clear approvals pathway for hydrogen and other prescribed substance pipelines. This complements national changes that came into effect on 7 March 2024 through the Statutes Amendment (National Energy Laws) (Other Gases) Act 2023.