Gippsland to become hydrogen 'centre of excellence'

A press release from hydrogen company H2X has affirmed that Gippsland is set to become Australia’s leader in the development of Hydrogen based industries as the region transitions from brown coal power generation to renewables.

According to the statement, an agreement signed between Gippsland Circular Economy Precinct Pty Ltd, (GCEP) and H2X Global Ltd, has set in motion an ambitious plan to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicles and a range of hydrogen power units including generators and emergency power supplies.

GCEP is a consortium of Gippsland based businesses who have recognised the need to transition the local economy toward renewables.

According to Brett Singh, Executive Director of GCEP, Gippsland’s high level of engineering, power generation and manufacturing expertise was a major factor in the decision to establish the centre of excellence and renewables precinct in the area.

Scott McArdle CEO and King Arthur Executive Director said that the corporate players attracted to Gippsland in regard to renewable opportunities was strong. The community support has also been very strong and need for jobs and industry transition is extremely important.

They commented that signing the agreement with H2X Global, a leader in the development and manufacture of fuels cells and hydrogen powered vehicles and machinery, would help to fast track the plans for the Gippsland precinct and the overall economy of the region.

The H2X product range includes utilities, vans, trucks and buses. H2X has developed its own highly efficient hydrogen fuel cell technology and hydrogen power trains to install into its vehicles and machinery.

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H2X recently engaged in a strategic partnership with listed Hydrogen producer Pure Hydrogen (ASX:PH2).

Brendan Norman, CEO and founder of H2X said the Gippsland venture was one of the most exciting opportunities to build a successful hydrogen economy that he had seen.

Mr Norman, who is preparing to attend COP26 with H2X as an Australian representative company, praised the GCEP group for their thorough planning and development of the circular economy concept.

“This is a great opportunity for Gippsland to engage with hydrogen technology and provide new enterprises new jobs and training in support,” he said.

“We aim to assist in establishing Gippsland as the world’s preeminent location of green hydrogen excellence. We are now investigating a number of manufacturing options including fuel cell production and some vehicles.”