Game changing hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to boost innovation in Victoria’s vibrant transport manufacturing industry.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today helped unveil the Hyundai Nexo, a hydrogen fuelled car making its Australian debut, and the Toyota Mirai, one of the first hydrogen cars sold commercially.

The clean fuel cell technology adopted in the two cars generates zero emissions and offers opportunities in other transport sectors such as buses and trucks given the fast fill times and long driving range.

The two cars were showcased as part of a project by Hydrogen Mobility Australia consortium partners Hyundai, Toyota, BOC Gas, BP, Caltex, Coregas, Hyster-Yale, ITM Power, Siemens, Viva Energy and Woodside to promote the use of hydrogen fuel cells, particularly in the transport sector.

The Andrews Labor Government has commissioned Infrastructure Victoria to provide advice on the infrastructure requirements to enable the latest in autonomous and zero emission vehicle technology, including the potential for hydrogen.

The Labor Government has also committed $1 million to help Moreland City Council implement a renewable hydrogen refueling station to transition local government vehicles to a zero emissions fleet.

Last month the Labor Government announced the world-first Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Pilot Project to produce hydrogen in the Latrobe Valley which will create local jobs.

The project will see liquefied hydrogen produced from Latrobe Valley brown coal transported to Japan for use in fuel cell electric vehicles and power generation, with carbon emissions required to be secured via carbon capture and storage technology.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

“Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a game changer for transport manufacturing and will boost innovation across the industry.”

“We’re a strong backer of innovative technology to drive our transport manufacturing industry forward and minimise our carbon footprint.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change LilyD’Ambrosio

“Victoria is moving to a clean energy future – and hydrogen is an important part of this. Our New Energy Jobs Fund is investing in it and we will continue to support it.”