The North South Wales (NSW) government is driving down emissions and boosting jobs and industry, co-delivering Australia’s first renewable H₂ highway on the east coast with the Victorian government.

NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said applications are now open for $20 MM in grant funding to support the design and delivery of renewable H₂ trucking along Australia’s busiest freight corridor.

“This initiative aims to show the potential of renewable hydrogen for heavy vehicles with the goal of transitioning the freight sector to zero emissions energy sources,” Mr Kean said.

“The Hume Hydrogen Highway will create new jobs and attract investment to NSW and Victoria. It’s expected to drive uptake of renewable hydrogen in the heavy transport sector.”

The NSW and Victorian Governments have each invested $10 MM in grant funding for the Hume Hydrogen Highway, a joint grant initiative to support the development of at least four refueling stations along the highway and approximately 25 H₂-powered trucks.

Transport is one of Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable H₂ shows strong potential to be cost competitive with diesel for trucks.

Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said transport accounts for 25% of Victoria’s total carbon footprint.

“Australia’s busiest corridor is the perfect place to kickstart the transition to a zero-emission freight sector,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“The renewable hydrogen highway will create new jobs, drive investment across the east coast and is a landmark step towards meeting Victoria’s target to halve emissions by 2030 as we work towards net-zero by 2050.”

Mr Kean said the Hume Hydrogen Highway is the first initiative of a statewide H₂ refueling network.

“What we’re looking for is strong industry collaboration between refueling station operators, fleet operators, truck manufacturers, major freight customers, and other entities which will be vital to the success of the initiative,” Mr Kean said.

The Victorian, NSW and Queensland Governments will collaborate on the development of the renewable hydrogen highway by 2026, focusing on the Hume Highway, the Pacific Highway and the Newell Highway.

Grant applications close October 21, 2022. The successful applicant must enter into a joint funding agreement with both governments.