Chief Minister Andrew Barr will explore electrification options for the ACT, including hydrogen fuel cell technology. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Electrifying transport and households to meet the ACT’s climate goals will be a key part of Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s latest trade mission, this time to South Korea and Japan.
Mr Barr, Commissioner for International Engagement Brendan Smyth, Coordinator General of Climate Action Sam Engele and a staff member flew out of Canberra this morning for Seoul.
A government spokesperson said this mission had a focus on the electrification of the ACT but the two North Asian countries had also been identified as key markets in the current ACT tourism strategy.
The mission will also include a site visit to the Seoul Arts Centre, which would offer valuable insights into modern theatre precincts in light of the upcoming Canberra Theatre Centre redevelopment, and a short visit to Japanese sister city Nara.
In Nara, Mr Barr will mark the 30th anniversary of that relationship, and the Mayor will be invited to Canberra’s spring Candle Festival.
The group will hold meetings with LG, hydrogen proponent H2 Korea, Samsung, vehicle maker Hyundai, Panasonic and other relevant businesses on implementing the ACT’s plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 as part of the ACT Climate Change Strategy.
On the agenda will be the supply of public and private electric transport as the ACT looks to buy 90 electric buses as part of the conversion of public transport to zero-emission fleets.
Hyundai’s Elec City buses use battery or hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company also makes hydrogen fuel cell cars and electric battery vehicles, which are already part of the ACT Government fleet.
The trade mission comes as the Federal Government prepares to make a major statement on EVs, expected to include new fuel emission standards that should open the way for manufacturers to introduce new models to the Australian market.
The meetings will also focus on the technology and energy needs of households and the appliances that will allow them to transition away from gas heating and cooking.
Other meetings include senior Australian Government officials and the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
The group will be away for five business days (17-21 April).
They will be in Seoul from 17-19 April, and Osaka and Nara from 20-21 April.
The spokesperson said the trip would cost about $25,000, which would be met from the ACT Executive 2022-23 budget. The final cost would be reported as part of the regular travel reports.
Loading ...
