A hydrogen fuel cell installation at Neerim North, VIC..

Ventia took a bold step towards a sustainable future with the introduction of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generators, in collaboration with Telstra and Victorian hydrogen company Energys.

A historic unveiling

On 4 July 2024, Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, joined Ventia, Telstra, and Energys at Neerim North, VIC, for the historic unveiling of Telstra’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generator. The event marked the launch of the Neerim North mobile network renewable hydrogen backup system, designed to enhance energy resilience during storms and other extreme weather events.

“The pioneering project not only enhances energy resilience but also sets a new benchmark for clean, sustainable energy solutions”, said Ventia Senior Project Director for Fixed Networks Amit Patel.

By embracing this technology, we are paving the way for a future where zero-emissions alternatives are the norm, ensuring a cleaner, greener world for generations to come.

Enhancing Energy Resilience

The focus of the pilot program is to showcase how hydrogen fuel cell generators boost energy resilience across five selected locations: Coldstream, Kinglake, Christmas Hills, Chum Creek, and Neerim North. Ventia’s scope of work includes the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of these 10kW renewable hydrogen generators at all five sites. This ensures that communities remain connected during power outages, maintaining mobile coverage when it is needed most.

The project highlights the reliability of renewable hydrogen as a zero-emissions backup power solution,  and aligns with Ventia’s sustainability strategy commitment to address climate risk and resilience for Ventia and our clients.  

Victoria Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio with Ventia Construction Manager Mathew Camilleri.

Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap confirms that renewable hydrogen will play a critical, targeted role in the energy transition by strengthening energy resilience as we keep communities powered reliably and affordably - Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.

These innovative generators operate by harnessing hydrogen gas as their fuel source. Within the generator, hydrogen undergoes an electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell to produce electricity, with the only by-product being pure water vapor, making it an exceptionally eco-friendly solution.