The 'hydrogen economy' refers to the growing use of hydrogen as a primary energy source - environmentally friendly energy that is expected to replace fossil fuel sources.

Speaking to the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) in Perth, Brown outlined the drivers behind the development of the hydrogen economy and the opportunities for WA businesses.

"The development of the hydrogen economy is being driven by growing concerns about air quality and greenhouse gases and the recognition that fossil fuel reserves are finite," the Minister said.

"With improving technology and growing world focus on the development of hydrogen technology, we can expect to see hydrogen play an increasingly important role in energy provision in the years ahead."

Mr Brown said WA had a number of attributes that made it ideally placed to play a meaningful role in the development of the hydrogen economy including abundant natural gas resources, high quality mineral reserves for fuel cell technology and strong technical capacity.

Brown invited industry to give feedback to Government on the possibility of establishing a Government/industry partnership aimed at advancing the development of the hydrogen economy within WA.