A new multi-million-dollar Hydrogen Hub in Melbourne's south east funded by the Andrews Labor Government will create hundreds of jobs and help develop new technologies to make energy cheaper and cleaner.
The $10 million Swinburne University of Technology Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2) will be a major national precinct to explore new hydrogen technologies, including clean energy vehicles and hydrogen storage containers.
It will provide opportunities to students, researchers and industry and be a place where the community can learn about hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio today 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.
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.
Construction will begin in early 2022 and take about 18 months, with a twin facility slated for Stuttgart in Germany, fostering an Australian-first international hydrogen development partnership.
VH2 is a key component of the Labor Government's Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Plan which is due to be released in coming weeks and will set the framework for building a thriving hydrogen economy over the next decade.
This project was funded through the unprecedented $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund which is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria's productivity and economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.
As stated by Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney
"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."
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio
"This hub will help give Victorian the skills and experience we need to unlock the hydrogen industry - driving down emissions while creating green jobs in a growing industry."
As stated by Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
"This project will create more local training, research and job opportunities in Clayton - that help make a global impact through cutting-edge research and development."
As stated by Swinburne University Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester
"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."
