The Victorian Government announced a $10 million hydrogen hub in Melbourne’s south-east, which will create hundreds of jobs and foster new clean energy technologies.
The state government will offer $1 million of support for CSIRO and Swinburne University’s hydrogen refuelling station. The joint venture is set to establish a ‘Victorian Hydrogen Hub’ (also known as VH2) with the aim of building a hydrogen refuelling station for fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
The hub is expected to create opportunities for students, researchers and the industry to become a place where the community can learn about hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.
Victorian Minister for Higher Education, Gayle Tierney, and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said that the facility would stimulate Australia’s hydrogen sector and establish Victoria as a leader in developing clean, efficient and reliable energy sources.
“We are proud to be investing in this innovative project that will drive the state’s COVID-19 recovery – by giving Victorians more opportunities to learn and find pathways into meaningful careers,” Mr Tierney said.
The VH2 will create about 300 new full-time positions, with 50% of its PhD and master’s scholarships to be given to women to increase female participation in the sector.
“This hub will help give Victoria the skills and experience we need to unlock the hydrogen industry – driving down emissions while creating green jobs in a growing industry,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
Construction is set to commence in early 2022 and will take approximately 18 months. A twin facility is slated for Stuttgart, Germany, to help foster an international hydrogen development partnership.
VH2 is a crucial part of the Victorian Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Plan, which is due to be released in the coming weeks. It will be the foundation to create a thriving hydrogen economy in the coming decade.
Swinburne University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pascale Quester, said, “We’re grateful to the Victorian Government and our partners for their support as we work for advancements in hydrogen technology and focus on wider technological advancements for Victoria, Australia and the world.”
VH2 allows another step to be taken in developing a workable supply chain for FCEVs, which includes the new Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, which are currently available for business and fleet purchase.
The refuelling station will be located at CSIRO’s Clayton campus in Victoria. It’s seen as a crucial component of the CSIRO’s ‘Hydrogen Industry Mission’ as advocates claim it could add $11 billion a year to Australian GDP, create more than 8,000 jobs and support a low emissions future.
“As Australia considers energy alternatives, we know hydrogen is clean and will be cost-competitive – but a major barrier to it becoming a fuel source for cars and trucks is how to refuel, and the lack of refuelling infrastructure,” said Nigel Warren, executive director of growth at CSIRO.
“The refueller is a significant step towards removing that barrier.”
Toyota Australia, who are developing their own hydrogen infrastructure at its former Altona car assembly plant in Melbourne’s west, will also be engaging in the development of VH2. It is hoped that Toyota Australia will help support the future adoption and supply of FCEVs in Australia.
Toyota’s Manager of Future Technologies, Matt MacLeod said, “This is a significant step towards having the necessary refuelling infrastructure to help grow hydrogen opportunities in Australia.
“Toyota Australia is delighted to support the development of this new hydrogen refuelling station in Victoria with next-generation Mirai FCEVs.
“This is a significant step towards having the necessary refuelling infrastructure to help grow hydrogen opportunities in Australia.
“We look forward to working closely with CSIRO and their partners on this exciting project.”
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