The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has made significant progress in overcoming the cost barrier to commercial hydrogen production with its tubular solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) technology. Traditional electrolysis methods have been hindered by high electricity prices, causing industry players like Origin to step back from green initiatives. However, CSIRO's SOE technology, which combines waste heat and electricity, has shown promising results in a trial with BlueScope Steel. The pilot project has achieved the production of hydrogen with an electrical input of less than 36kWh per kilogram, a notable improvement compared to the typical 55kWh input. This development is crucial for Australia's hydrogen industry, offering a pathway to affordable and renewable hydrogen production on a large scale to support the decarbonization of heavy industry. CSIRO's senior principal research scientist, Sarb Giddey, highlighted the potential 30% electricity saving in hydrogen production costs with this technology. BlueScope Steel also recognizes the significance of hydrogen, considering it a vital element in their journey towards net-zero emissions, and has been supportive of the pilot project's positive outcomes. The long-term durability and performance of the SOE technology are currently under evaluation at CSIRO's technology demonstration facility.