Ann: Metgasco to acquire renewable hydrogen production technology, page-40

You're right, it's not burning wood in a kiln, but that's not how charcoal is made. It's the same basic principle - thermal decomposition of a carbohydrate rich feed stock in an anaerobic atmosphere. That's how charcoal is made, that's how wood gas is made.

Again, the difference between a normal wood gas generator and Patriot Hydrogen is their plan to extract the ~16-20% hydrogen from the wood gas.

Government grants - I'll quote the federal government directly -
"The government is investing $464 million in hydrogen hubs as part of its $1.2 billion commitment towards building a hydrogen industry."
"The now $464 million grant program provides up to $3 million grants for project consortia to initially progress feasibility and design work, and up to $70 million towards the roll-out of projects."

https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/funding-available-for-clean-hydrogen-industrial-hubs
https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/taylor/media-releases/future-hydrogen-industry-create-jobs-lower-emissions-and-boost-regional-australia