H2X Global is advancing its goal of building a hydrogen economy in Australia with plans to build hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in Gippsland, Victoria.

Under the agreement with the Gippsland Circular Economy Precinct (GCEP), the company will seek to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles and a range of hydrogen power units including generators and emergency power supplies in the region.

GCEP is a consortium of Gippsland-based businesses who recognise the need to transition the local economy from brown coal power generation to renewables.

The support of H2X, which developed its own highly efficient hydrogen fuel cell technology and hydrogen power trains for vehicles and machinery, is expected to help fast-track these transition plans.

H2X Global founder and chief executive officer Brendan Norman said: “This is a great opportunity for Gippsland to engage with hydrogen technology and provide new enterprises, new jobs and training in support.

“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.”

GCEP executive director Brett Singh said the region’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.

The agreement has also drawn strong community support.