Office of Hydrogen Power

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the minister representing the Minister for Energy and Mining regarding the Office of Hydrogen Power SA.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE:The Advertiser, on 26 March, highlighted the abandonment of a proposed $750 million green hydrogen project by the global commodities giant Trafigura intended for Nyrstar's Port Pirie smelting facility. This cancellation, attributed to high construction costs and insufficient market demand, joins a troubling trend of stalled or deferred hydrogen initiatives, including the state government's $600 million Whyalla hydrogen plant, the proposed AGL Torrens Island Green Hydrogen Hub and Neoen Australia's Hydrogen Superhub at Crystal Brook.

Additionally, recent concerns raised regarding the effectiveness of the Office of Hydrogen Power SA indicate that over $130 million of taxpayers' funds have been spent on salaries, consultancies and engineering without substantial progress or successful outcomes. My questions to the minister are:

1. Given these circumstances, can the minister explain what changes will be made to the role and responsibility of the Office of Hydrogen Power SA?

2. Considering the substantial public funds allocated to this office, how does the minister justify its continued operation and the significant executive remuneration, particularly in light of the recent widespread cancellation of hydrogen projects?

3. Can the minister also provide details of any measurable achievements or milestones delivered by the Office of Hydrogen Power SA to date that demonstrate tangible benefits and justify the ongoing taxpayers' investment?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:58): I will refer the question to the minister in the other place and bring back a response.