SYDNEY, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Western Australia (WA) government is meeting with industry leaders on Wednesday to hatch out a plan to develop a renewable hydrogen energy economy in the state.

Held in the mid-west township of Geraldton, representatives from areas such as gas, mining, transport, electricity, infrastructure and government sectors met to discuss how they can entice organizations to establish hydrogen pilot projects in the region.

"Regional Western Australia has incredible potential for renewable energy industries, with its large-scale solar and wind resources and strong export capability," Western Australian Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said in a statement.

"The mid-west in particular delivers on these competitive advantages. This forum aims to bring together key parties to narrow in on initial renewable hydrogen projects for which the region would be well suited."

Gaining huge interest around the globe, when hydrogen power is produced with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, it is a carbon free, zero-emission fuel.

"Hydrogen can be used to firm renewables for electricity generation or be used directly as a gas in homes and industry," MacTiernan explained.

Recommendations and a full strategic plan on the state's renewable hydrogen development is expected to be outlined by the WA Renewable Hydrogen Council early in 2019.