Construction of a new renewable hydrogen export facility could be green lit after the Queensland government signed a partnership with a major Japanese energy supplier.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the landmark pact between the government-owned generator Stanwell and Japanese energy company Iwatani Corporation, as the state pushes its strategy to become a global super supplier of renewable hydrogen.

Planning is now expected to progress on a new hydrogen export facility to be built in Gladstone.

“If we can position Queensland as a key exporter of this resource, Queensland will be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“To do that, we must partner with Japanese energy suppliers – and when it comes to hydrogen, they don’t come any larger than Iwatani.

“Hydrogen is the future. We’re investing in this sector because we know the great potential this industry has to drive Queensland’s economic recovery in years to come.

“Demand for renewable hydrogen out of Japan is growing rapidly.”

Japan has committed to reducing its net emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by 2050. It plans to achieve this by becoming a ‘hydrogen society’.

Mick de Brenni, who has the newly-created post of Minister for Renewables and Hydrogen, said the partnership with Iwatani was evidence of Queensland’s commitment to rapidly developing its potential as a green hydrogen exporter.

“The Premier has given me a mandate to do everything we can to grow this industry, and put Queensland workers front and centre in this,” Minister de Brenni said.

“We’ll continue to partner with the world’s leading energy companies, including our own, to develop this exciting new industry in Queensland.”