Episode 9: Hydrogen & Industry – What’s the Hold Up?

February 12, 2025

EPISODE 9: Hydrogen & Industry

with Dr Chris Oughton

Hydrogen has been labelled the fuel of the future, but if that’s the case, why isn’t it everywhere yet? What’s holding it back, and where does it realistically sit in the renewable energy transition?

In this episode of The Powerhouse Podcast, Dr. Chris Oughton joins us to cut through the hype and get into the real story behind hydrogen’s role in industry. While many see hydrogen as a clean energy alternative, the reality is not all hydrogen is created equal, and there are significant hurdles to widespread adoption.

We break it down:

• Hydrogen 101 – What is it, how is it produced, and what’s the difference between green, blue, and grey hydrogen?

• The Challenges – Why has the rollout of hydrogen projects stalled, and what’s stopping businesses from making the switch?

• Where Hydrogen Fits – Is it a competitor or a complement to solar, wind, and other renewables?

• Industry Applications – From heavy transport to manufacturing, what industries actually benefit from hydrogen, and where is it already in use?

• The Cost Factor – Why is hydrogen still expensive, and how does Australia compare to Europe and Asia in its rollout?

We also explore the policy roadblocks, infrastructure gaps, and investment risks that make hydrogen a complex, but necessary, part of WA’s energy transition.

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Dr Chris Oughton

About Chris,

Dr. Chris Oughton has spent decades at the forefront of Western Australia’s industrial, energy, and sustainability sectors, shaping conversations around the future of industry, resource efficiency, and energy transition. With a background in business development, corporate change, and strategic planning, Chris has worked across public and private sectors, providing deep insights into how WA’s industries evolve and adapt.

His expertise extends into renewable energy and hydrogen, where he plays a key role in advancing sustainable solutions for industry. As a board member of Goodwater Energy, Chris is actively involved in hydrogen development and its integration into WA’s energy mix, helping businesses understand where hydrogen fits into their long-term strategies.

Chris is also widely recognised for his work in industrial symbiosis, where businesses collaborate to share resources, reduce waste, and drive efficiency—a concept that could be crucial in unlocking hydrogen’s full potential.

In this episode, Chris breaks down the reality of hydrogen adoption—from the challenges of infrastructure and cost to its role in WA’s broader renewable energy transition. If you’ve been wondering whether hydrogen is truly the fuel of the future or just another energy trend, Chris is the perfect person to unpack the facts.

IN THIS SHOW:

Episode Highlights: The Future of Hydrogen in WA

• Hydrogen: Game-Changer or Just Another Energy Trend? – Governments and industry talk about hydrogen as the next big thing, but is it a real solution or just another overhyped energy transition?

• Green vs. Blue vs. Grey Hydrogen – Not all hydrogen is clean, and some production methods still rely on fossil fuels. So how do businesses navigate the differences?

• Why Are Hydrogen Projects Stalling? – Many big hydrogen plans have failed to take off—what’s behind the setbacks, and is the technology just too difficult to implement at scale?

• Where Does Hydrogen Fit in WA’s Energy Landscape? – With solar, wind, and even geothermal gaining traction, does hydrogen really have a place, or is it just filling gaps?

• The Cost Factor: Who’s Willing to Pay? – It’s expensive, it requires new infrastructure, and demand is still low—so what will it take to make hydrogen commercially viable?