- Published:
- Saturday 5 August 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is providing $1 million to support the transition to a zero-emissions fleet of local government vehicles.
Moreland City Council, in collaboration with hydrogen utility company H2U, has received funding to implement a renewable hydrogen refuelling station.
This initiative is expected to create up to 15 ongoing full-time local jobs and has the potential to generate more than 100 indirect jobs.
The project will enable the council’s heavy vehicle fleet begin to transition to zero-emission Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles.
Funding for the project has been provided through the second round of the Labor Government’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund.
The $9.37 million project will establish Australia’s first commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling station, which will produce hydrogen from 100 per cent renewable energy using an on-site solar plant and grid-sourced wind power.
Moreland City Council and H2U will also establish an education centre at the site, to create learning experiences for primary school, high school, and university students.
Construction of the refuelling station is expected to start early next year and be fully operational – including 12 zero-emission waste collection vehicles – by early 2020.
The Fund offers grants of between $20,000 and $1 million to support projects that increase the uptake of renewable energy, reduce emissions, and assist community groups to develop their own projects.
Round two of the New Energy Jobs Fund provided more than $6.7 million in grants to 21 successful projects.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re investing in new energy technology to reduce greenhouse emissions and create jobs.”
“The station will initially power the council’s waste collection vehicles, with the long-term aim of including its entire heavy fleet.”
“It’s a fantastic example of how the New Energy Jobs Fund is creating jobs and boosting renewable energy capabilities across Victoria.”