Readying councils for hydrogen future
Local governments across Victoria are better equipped to help advance hydrogen technologies in the regions thanks to a collaboration between the Mallee Hydrogen Technology Cluster, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) and Swinburne University’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub (HV2).
Representatives from Mildura Rural City Council, Swan Hill Rural City Council, City of Greater Bendigo and City of Ballarat took part in a pilot program, which culminated with a workshop and visit to hydrogen vehicle manufacturer Hyzon Motors in Melbourne this month.
Participants also attended four webinars in November to develop their knowledge about hydrogen opportunities and start building connections. Topics included social representations, planning and regulation, landfill opportunities and current practice, and transport and mobility opportunities.
VH2 Mallee Council Cluster Hydrogen Readiness Program participants
VH2 community facilitator Amelia Iverson said the group identified there was a need and interest from councils for more information about hydrogen technology, the emerging hydrogen industry, and potential for building infrastructure in the region.
Councils can play a really important role in terms of advocacy, policy creation, and supporting initiatives and research in this field,” Amelia said.
A lot of people haven’t heard of hydrogen as a technology, so councils can help to create access points for community to understand more about hydrogen’s potential and how it could impact their lives.
Amelia said councils could also be one of the first adopters of hydrogen, as one of the most immediate opportunities was replacing garbage trucks and fleets with green hydrogen technology.
“The Melbourne workshop was designed to get people thinking specifically about their region and some of the challenges in developing these technologies, and then trying to reframe those challenges into opportunities,” she said.
“We also tried to create bias towards action – something they could do the day after the workshop to start creating threads that are going to have a bigger impact in years to come.
“Everyone who attended was really interested and engaged. Also being able to visit Hyzon in the afternoon allowed them to see something tangibly, which makes such a difference to your understanding as to the potential.”
Hyzon Motors visit with Mildura, Bendigo and Ballarat council staff and the Mallee Hydrogen Technology Cluster committee.
GVGA programs director Dr David Gormley-O'Brien said participating local councils had already done a lot of work to reduce carbon emissions in their operations.
“However, there has been no effective way to reduce carbon emissions for heavy vehicles with conventional battery conversions due to the resulting reduction in payloads,” David said.
“Hydrogen has the potential to fit this niche by providing the required power, effective payload, and quick refuelling times.
“Councils can also play an important role in familiarising residents with hydrogen production and use, as well as supporting the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and production by identifying opportunities for trials and research.”
Mallee Regional Innovation Centre CEO Rebecca Wells, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance Projects Director Dr David Gormley-O'Brien, and Mildura Rural City Council Energy and Water Innovation Officer Jay Smith.\