GeelongPort today announced plans to expand its current operations with a $100 million investment to construct the Geelong Hydrogen Hub, a green hydrogen production and distribution facility that will accelerate Victoria’s transition to a clean energy future.
CAC-H2 has also been named as the Hub’s foundation green hydrogen developer by GeelongPort.
GeelongPort CEO Brett Winter expressed his delight at the announcement of this positive step forward for the Geelong region and Australia’s climate change strategy.
“We acknowledge that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing communities globally, and we need to do everything we can at a local level to respond and minimise these impacts,” Mr Winter said.
“As an infrastructure asset and key regional gateway for Victoria’s supply chains, we need to be adaptive and responsive to the impacts of climate change to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of businesses and communities that rely on us so heavily.
“This is why we are proud to be partnering with CAC-H2 as our foundation partner to generate Green Hydrogen and establish the Geelong Hydrogen Hub.
“The Geelong Hydrogen Hub will position Geelong as a leader in the development of clean energy infrastructure.”
The Geelong Hydrogen Hub will be a Green Hydrogen production and distribution facility. Green Hydrogen is a sustainable energy carrier that can be used as an alternative fuel source for Victorian households, businesses, and industries, reducing Victoria’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The development of the Geelong Hydrogen Hub will also include the ability to produce Green Ammonia for export into Asia in order to meet the region’s growing demand.
CAC-H2 Chief Executive Officer Glenn Davies said, “We are excited to be partnering with GeelongPort and being the first to form part of the Geelong Hydrogen Hub.”
“At CAC-H2, we are working hard to achieve net-zero emissions through the development of green hydrogen and renewable energy assets and look forward to bringing clean energy infrastructure to Geelong and Victorian communities.”
The first stage of the Geelong Hydrogen Hub is expected to be operational in December 2023, pending regulatory approvals, creating over 50 jobs during construction and establishing many more direct and indirect clean energy jobs as Victoria transitions to Green Hydrogen.
GeelongPort has also partnered with Startupbootcamp’s Greater Geelong Hydrogen Technology cluster to identify future partnership opportunities in developing the Geelong Hydrogen Hub at GeelongPort.
GeelongPort will work with the local community to position Geelong as a leader in green hydrogen development and the transition to clean energy.