Gippsland chosen as one of Australia’s regional Hydrogen Clusters.
On behalf of a cluster of more than 70 businesses, industry bodies and state government departments, the Committee for Gippsland is pleased to announce that Gippsland has been selected to join a national network to lead the development and advancement of Australia’s clean hydrogen energy sector.
Gippsland has been chosen by National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) as one of a handful of clusters across Australia that will play a pivotal role in accelerating the development, deployment, and commercialisation of the Australian hydrogen industry.
The success of Gippsland’s submission to NERA presents an opportunity for the region to build on its status as an energy power-house and, according to the Committee for Gippsland’s CEO Jane Oakley, will enable the region to leverage funding associated with the Australian Government’s $1.5billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy and $1.8billion investment in low emissions technologies.
“Gippsland is strategically placed to take a lead role in the clean hydrogen energy sector; the region has the right mix of skills, infrastructure, resourcing, innovation and supply-chain expertise to help enable the Australian Government’s plan to accelerate the development of the country’s clean hydrogen energy capability.”
“The Australian Government has committed $570M to hydrogen energy development,” Jane Oakley explained. “Gippsland’s hydrogen cluster group is committed to championing the region’s existing hydrogen energy capability, reinforcing Gippsland’s capacity to transition as a hub for new energy, and capitalising on the social, economic and environmental benefits investment in new energy will bring.”
Gippsland will be part of a national cluster which, according to NERA aims to establish a global identity and a recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise; accelerate hydrogen supply chain development; and identify gaps and reduce overlaps in the development, deployment, and commercialisation of new technologies.
“With a number of Victorian State Government Departments and regional industry and business groups already focusing on clean hydrogen in their development plans, this is a very exciting time for Gippsland,” Jane Oakley acknowledged.
“It is significant that Gippsland has a seat at the national table, and on behalf of the Gippsland regional Cluster, I look forward to sharing with the region more information as it comes to hand and as our support structures take form.”