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.

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 help decarbonise 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 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 demonstrations, the State Government will invest $6.2 million through the Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund and an additional $1 million to assist businesses in developing 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.

“We are making it easier for businesses and industry to push the frontiers of renewable hydrogen and embrace this clean energy alternative,” said Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

“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.”

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