The NSW Government will assist the Committee for the Hunter to turn its great ideas for a Hunter hydrogen industry into reality, thanks to the $24 million Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.
Nationals Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the Fund will provide backing to enable the Committee for the Hunter and the Hunter Hydrogen Taskforce to engage experts to investigate new project ideas and assist with funding applications.
“I thank the Committee for inviting me to participate in the New H2 Symposium to announce the Business Case and Strategy Development Fund will contribute $243,944 towards the Hunter Hydrogen Infrastructure Master Plan,” Mr Layzell said.
“The Hunter Valley is a powerhouse of the NSW economy and as we restructure for the future I want the Upper Hunter to be an active participant in the clean energy industry.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regions are bursting with people full of ideas with the potential to create jobs, boost economies and attract investment.
“Any successful project starts with evidence-based planning and this program will help take great ideas and concepts a step closer to reality, benefiting entire communities,” Mr Toole said.
“This is about helping make business cases stand out and be more competitive, it will help break down project costs, outline how projects will benefit the community and identify any challenges that need to be met.”
The Committee for the Hunter and the Hunter Hydrogen Taskforce welcome the NSW Government grant to develop a regional hydrogen infrastructure masterplan.
CEO Alice Thompson said the grant expedites key priorities identified in the Hunter Hydrogen Roadmap and State ambitions in the NSW Hydrogen Strategy, including shared infrastructure and workforce development.
“Hydrogen leverages the Hunter’s strengths and capabilities, promising new opportunities for growth and jobs as our economy changes.” Ms Thompson said.
“It promises to position the Hunter as a global centre for hydrogen, exporting our clean energy, services, and products to the world.
“The Hunter Hydrogen Hub will only be competitive through collaboration.
“The grant provides valuable resourcing to create enduring partnerships between hydrogen project leads, energy experts, national research institutes, tertiary education and Government to seize the opportunity offered by growing demand for hydrogen and green manufacturing.”
The Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund and will help create a pipeline of investment-ready projects for future funding opportunities.
For further information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/BusinessCaseFund
