A new $10 million Swinburne University of Technology Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2) will become a major national precinct to explore new hydrogen technologies, including clean energy vehicles and hydrogen storage containers.
The new facility will provide opportunities for students, researchers and industry to learn more about hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio recently visited the site and said the facility would stimulate Australia’s hydrogen sector and establish Victoria as a leader in developing clean, more efficient and reliable energy sources.
“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,” said D’Ambrosio.
VH2 will create about 300 new full-time jobs and half its PhD and Masters scholarships will be awarded to women to boost female participation in the sector.
“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,” added Swinburne University Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester.
Construction will begin in early 2022 and should take around 18 months, with a twin facility slated for Stuttgart in Germany, fostering an Australian-first international hydrogen development partnership.
VH2 is part of the Victorian Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Plan which is due to be released in coming weeks and will set the framework for building a hydrogen economy over the next decade.