HydGene Renewables Highlighted by AgriFutures Australia for Green Ammonia Innovation

HydGene Renewables has been spotlighted for the production of green hydrogen from agricultural waste, a groundbreaking step towards Australia’s sustainable fertiliser supply.

The spotlight, shared via AgriFutures Australia and connected to research conducted in collaboration with KPMG, highlights the enormity of the potential for local production of ammonia based fertilisers from hydrogen generated from plant-based waste. This approach would reduce Australia's reliance on imported fertilisers, secure agricultural production, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen the circular economy in regional areas.

HydGene’s technology does not utilise electrolysis or require expansive solar farms. The revolutionary biocatalyst enables on-site hydrogen production using plant-derived biomass, offering a decentralised, low-emission alternative for the production of competitively priced green chemicals. The agriculture sector is just one market that HydGene intends to address as hydrogen is a fundamental component to a number of primary chemicals. The first in-field plant is being built this year to demonstrate the utilisation of straw. The company has its sights on expansion throughout the regions to address the National priorities of improved food security and building new industries.

This recognition follows HydGene CEO Dr. Louise Brown’s recent appearance on the AgriFutures podcast, Farming the Future: The Role of Regional Manufacturing in Rural Growth and Resilience, where she joined other leaders to discuss the untapped potential of regional innovation. The episode explores opportunities in green ammonia, algae innovation, biofuels, and biomass transformation.

“We have an opportunity to disrupt the dependency Australian agriculture has on inputs which are subject to high price volatility and insecure supply in a world of geopolitical flux. The Australian agriculture system is important not only to our own food security, but also for the many countries we export to” noted HydGene’s Chief Commercial Officer Dr Natalie Curach.

HydGene Renewables is among a small number of Australian innovators working to unlock regional manufacturing potential through clean technologies, with green hydrogen and ammonia production positioned as key enablers of this transition.

Listen to the full podcast episode here: Farming the Future with CEO Dr Louise Brown.

Explore the full report by AgriFutures and KPMG Australia: Manufacturing Agriculture’s Future – Report