Green scheme: GeelongPort announces Geelong Hydrogen Hub

GEELONGPORT will expand its operations to include green hydrogen, announcing it will invest $100 million to build the Geelong Hydrogen Hub.

The port is partnering with international company CAC-H2 to build the green hydrogen production and distribution facility.

Generated using renewable energy, green hydrogen has much lower carbon emissions than hydrogen made using methane or coal.

Green hydrogen is being positioned as an alternative fuel source for Victorian households, businesses and industries and to help reduce Victoria’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Development of the Geelong Hydrogen Hub will also include the ability to produce green ammonia for export into Asia to meet the growing demand in the region.

GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter said he was pleased to announce this positive step forward for the Geelong region and Australia’s climate change approach.

“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.

“As a critical 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.”

CAC-H2 chief executive officer Glenn Davies said his company was excited to be working with GeelongPort and to be the first to join 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.”

Pending regulatory approvals, the first stage of the Geelong Hydrogen Hub is expected to be operational in December 2023, creating more than 50 jobs during its construction and establishing many more direct and indirect clean energy jobs.

“This is a landmark deal to partner with a world-class facility such as GeelongPort whilst supporting Victoria’s path to net zero,” CAC-H2 director Arman Massoumi said.

GeelongPort has also partnered with Startupbootcamp’s Greater Geelong Hydrogen Technology cluster and is engaging with interested parties to identify future partnership opportunities in developing the Geelong Hydrogen Hub at the port.

Corio federal member Richard Marles congratulated GeelongPort on the partnership.

“This investment means a highly skilled workforce and more jobs in Geelong. Hydrogen will be a big part of our future and Geelong is in a perfect position to seize clean energy opportunities,” he said.

For more information, head to the GeelongPort website.