Overview

Barwon South West (BSW) is at the forefront of renewable hydrogen innovation in Australia, being home to Australia's first renewable hydrogen refuelling station and the world-class renewable hydrogen ‘Hycel Technology Hub’ co-located at Deakin University and South West TAFE.

This year RDA BSW partnered with Barwon Water to fund and deliver a Renewable Hydrogen Prospectus to demonstrate to stakeholders and investors the opportunities and benefits of growing the renewable hydrogen sector in BSW. The Prospectus built on last year’s 2024 Renewable Hydrogen and Energy Investment Opportunity mapping study.

BSW is transitioning to a low-carbon economy by reducing its emissions profile in response to the challenge of climate change. The total project cost for the Prospectus was $120,000; RDA BSW contributed $35,000 for its development and delivery (Co-sponsors: Barwon Water, Wannon Water, Deakin University: Hycel and Victorian State Government).

The Prospectus was developed using a co-design approach, with stakeholders across government, industry, universities and traditional owners. Barwon Water, supported by Deakin, hosted consultation workshops in Portland, Geelong and online, to finalise the Prospectus.

The Prospectus demonstrates the region is uniquely suited to develop a renewable hydrogen sector. It outlines the significant global demand for renewable hydrogen, the enablers required to grow the sector, existing and potential BSW renewable hydrogen projects and who potential investors should contact in the sector and government to explore investment opportunities.
The Prospectus:

• Attracts regional investment and drives infrastructure
• Establishes cross-sector networks and promotes collaboration
• Promotes regional businesses
• Improves access to information and transparency
• Alignment to national and state hydrogen strategies
• Accelerates clean energy adoption
• Attracts investment in climate technologies
• Supports hard-to-abate sector decarbonisation
• Strengthens climate policy alignment and international partnerships
• Promotes economic diversification and regional prosperity
• Sustains workforce development
• Aligns with strategic regional goals and community benefits
• Strengthens regional sustainability, energy security and empowers community to champion environmental and economic resources.

The Prospectus received an enthusiastic stakeholder response at its launch at the Geelong Manufacturing Council’s Hydrogen Expo in June 2025. The Project Steering Committee (PSC), which includes the RDA BSW team, continues to operate to promote the Prospectus and connect the sector and stakeholders with potential investors. The Victorian Government Trade and Investment global offices are using the Prospectus to attract international investment in renewable hydrogen in BSW.