Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023.

The objects of this Act are as follows: (a) to facilitate and regulate exploration for, and exploitation of, renewable energy resources; (b) to establish an effective, efficient and flexible regulatory framework for the constructing, operating, maintaining and decommissioning of renewable energy infrastructure and facilities for generating hydrogen for commercial purposes; (c) to encourage and maintain an appropriate level of competition for access to designated land to enable exploration for, and exploiting of, renewable energy resources; (d) to enable engagement with Aboriginal people to ensure the regulatory framework in this Act maximises beneficial economic, environmental and social impacts and minimises adverse cultural and heritage impacts on Aboriginal people; (e) to enable engagement with rural and regional communities in relation to hydrogen and renewable energy projects for beneficial economic, environmental and social outcomes for those communities; (f) to facilitate economic prosperity and benefits for the State through the development of an industry for generating hydrogen and renewable energy; (g) to ensure that generating hydrogen and the exploitation of renewable energy resources is ecologically sustainable; (h) to facilitate public safety in managing risks inherent in generating hydrogen; (i) to enable appropriate consultation before authorised operations are undertaken; 11.7.2024—Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 Preliminary—Part 1 Published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 7 (j) to facilitate the grant of licences that enable hydrogen and renewable energy projects to co-exist, so far as possible, with other land uses; (k) to support the achievement of the following for the State: (i) competitively priced and reliable renewable energy supply; (ii) economic development of a hydrogen energy industry; (iii) economic development of a net zero carbon emission industry.
Part 2 concerns investigation of renewable energy sources and renewable energy feasibility permit. Part 3 regulates release areas. Part 4 licensing categories, renewals, terms, environmental impact assessment criteria and reporting, etc. Part 4 gives to the holder of a renewable energy licence right of entry to and use of designated land within the licence area to undertake authorised operations. Part 6 requires the Minister to establish and maintain a fund to be called the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Fund. Part 7 is Compliance and enforcement.