The Andrews Labor Government is driving down emissions and boosting jobs and industry, co-delivering Australia’s first ever renewable hydrogen highway on the east coast with the New South Wales Government.

Applications are now open for $20 million in grant funding to support the design and delivery of renewable hydrogen trucking along Australia’s busiest freight corridor, thanks to co-funding by the Victorian and NSW Governments.

The Labor Government have invested $10 million in grant funding for the Hume Hydrogen Highway, a joint grant initiative to support the development of at least four refuelling stations along the Highway and approximately 25 hydrogen-powered trucks.

The Hume Hydrogen Highway will create new jobs and investment in NSW and Victoria, building local knowledge, skills, infrastructure and supply chains, aiming to drive large widespread commercial uptake of renewable hydrogen in the heavy transport sector.

Transport is one of Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 25 per cent of Victoria’s total carbon footprint.

Renewable hydrogen shows strong potential to be cost competitive with diesel – which currently powers most of Victoria’s freight industry.

The Victorian, NSW and Queensland Governments will collaborate on the development of the renewable hydrogen highway by 2026, focusing on the Hume Highway, the Pacific Highway and the Newell Highway.

The Labor Government is leading and supporting the development of Victoria’s rapidly emerging renewable hydrogen sector through the Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Plan.

Grant applications close 21 October 2022. The successful applicant must enter into a joint funding agreement with both Governments. For more, visit: energy.vic.gov.au/grants/hume-hydrogen-highway/

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“Australia’s busiest corridor is the perfect place to kickstart the transition to a zero-emission freight sector.”

“The renewable hydrogen highway will create new jobs, drive investment across the east coast and is a landmark step towards meeting Victoria’s target to halve emissions by 2030 as we work towards net-zero by 2050.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean

“The Hume Hydrogen Highway will provide a replicable and scalable solution that will determine the future rollout of a state-wide hydrogen refuelling network.

“What we’re looking for is strong industry collaboration between refuelling station operators, fleet operators, truck manufacturers, major freight customers, and other entities which will be vital to the success of the initiative.”