The Victorian Government is helping businesses to switch to renewable hydrogen, with $7.2 million in funding to deliver trials, pilots and feasibility studies that will enable them to take the first steps in transitioning to this clean energy alternative, as Victoria works to halve its emissions by 2030.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced two new grants programs that will support the industrial sector to prepare for renewable hydrogen by funding a variety of projects – from using hydrogen to decarbonising transport to creating new clean manufacturing opportunities.

Renewable hydrogen offers enormous potential as a clean and reliable alternative to natural gas, transport fuels and some industrial feedstocks. It can be used in a growing a range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, commercial users, water corporations and gas producers and distributors.

To support capital works projects for hydrogen pilots, trials and demonstration the Government will invest $6.2 million through the Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, and an additional $1 million to assist businesses to develop business plans to use hydrogen through the Renewable Hydrogen Business Ready Fund.

The grants are funded through the $10 million Accelerating Victoria’s Hydrogen Industry package and are part of a range of activities identified in the Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Plan. The plan sets out a blueprint for how the Victorian Government will establish a thriving renewable hydrogen sector.

Victoria’s ambitions for a renewable hydrogen sector will also create long-term jobs through new career pathways and skills clusters, enable the export of renewable energy, drive innovation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our industrial, energy and transport sectors.

Applications for grants under both programs close on 27 August. To apply, and find out more about the Renewable Hydrogen Industry Plan, visit energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-hydrogen.

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

“We are making it easier for businesses and industry to push the frontiers of renewable hydrogen and embrace this clean energy alternative.”

“Victoria’s renewable hydrogen sector will see our state lead the way in this emerging technology, while also creating new jobs, and keeping us on track to halve our emissions by 2030.”

“Renewable hydrogen is a key player in Victoria’s clean energy transition, ensuring we’re well on track to meet our renewable energy targets and our ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”