Australia's Queensland state government will establish a A$2bn ($1.55bn) fund to finance renewable energy and hydrogen projects in the state. This is as part of its plan to source half of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and to ensure that the state plays a key role in the development of a hydrogen export industry. The new fund will also stimulate Queensland's mining sector by increasing demand for cobalt, copper, scandium, nickel, vanadium, bauxite and alumina that are needed for batteries, electric vehicles and solar panels, Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement. ... (full story)