Barwon Water has hit the road with Victoria’s first hydrogen-powered prime mover, as part of a wider plan to cut its operational emissions and strengthen the region’s circular economy.
The vehicle forms parts of the wider Viva Energy Hub hydrogen refuelling station project in Geelong, which was launched by Acting Prime Minister, Richard Marles; Victorian Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio; and Barwon Water Managing Director, Shaun Cumming, on 13 June 2025.
The $61.2 million project will use renewable electricity and a 2.5MW electrolyser to generate green hydrogen, using recycled water from Barwon Water’s Northern Water Plant.
The project received $34 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and $1 million from the Victorian Government.
The funding also assisted in the purchase of zero-emission hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles by industry partners, including Barwon Water, Cleanaway, Toll Group and ComfortDelGro (CDC).
Barwon Water’s vehicle, a Taurus prime mover from HDrive International, will be among those to refuel at the station as it collects and transports organic waste from its water treatment plants for recycling. The organic waste will then be converted into products for the agriculture sector.
Mr Cumming said the initiative would deliver lower operational costs and support Barwon Water’s planned transition to decarbonise its vehicle fleet.
“Barwon Water is committed to a sustainable future, and we’re keen to explore hydrogen’s potential as a zero-emission solution for the heavy transport sector,” he said.
“We’re excited to work with Viva Energy and the other vehicle operators on an innovative project that could deliver lasting benefits for the region and beyond.”
As the first of its type in Barwon Water’s fleet, the prime mover will provide valuable insights into the cost of ownership, its reliability and general points of difference to a diesel-fuelled vehicle.
The launch of the refueller coincided with the Geelong Hydrogen Expo hosted by the Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC) at GMHBA Stadium, where Mr Cumming launched the Barwon South West Renewable Hydrogen Prospectus, which showcases the potential for the region to support the emerging industry.
The prospectus, supported by the Victorian Government, Barwon Water and Wannon Water, represents the vision of stakeholders including councils, hydrogen developers, tertiary organisations, industry, the Committee for Geelong and GMC.
After reaching its target of 100 per cent renewable electricity in mid-2024, Barwon Water continues to invest in initiatives to reduce its operational emissions.
Taking advantage of the proximity to the service station, Barwon Water is further partnering with Viva Energy to explore the technical and commercial value of oxygen – a byproduct of hydrogen production – on its wastewater treatment processes.
Barwon Water Circular Economy Infrastructure Lead, Emily Rahles-Rahbula, said the oxygen would be captured from Viva Energy’s electrolyser and used by Barwon Water to trial if it can enhance the treatment of wastewater and reduce emissions.
Backed by $3 million in ARENA funding, the trial aims to further strengthen the circular economy in the northern Geelong industrial precinct.
“We’re eager to pursue innovations that have the ability to create more efficient and lower-emission wastewater treatment,” Ms Rahles-Rahbula said.
“Through the trial we’ll learn more about the ongoing viability of this process and we look forward to sharing our findings with the wider water sector.”
For more information on Barwon Water’s renewable hydrogen projects, vist www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/about-us/major-projects/renewable-hydrogen
