The Victorian government has initiated a pilot project to bolster emergency resilience by equipping five mobile towers with hydrogen fuel cells. Energy and Resources Minister Lily D'Ambrosio emphasized the importance of providing communities with reliable communication during emergencies. Telstra, in collaboration with Energys Australia, will assess the feasibility of expanding the use of green hydrogen to power more mobile towers in Victoria following the trial's completion. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced during severe weather events, such as the February storm in Gippsland, which disrupted communication networks and left homes without power for extended periods. By utilizing hydrogen fuel cells, the mobile towers can remain operational for 72 hours, ensuring continuous communication even in the event of power outages. Energys Australia manufactured the fuel cells in Mulgrave, utilizing green hydrogen sourced locally from renewable energy sources. The project aligns with efforts to promote sustainable solutions and reduce carbon emissions, with the fuel cells producing zero emissions. Vicki Romanovski from Telstra highlighted the environmental benefits of the fuel cells and expressed intentions to potentially extend the use of hydrogen fuel cells to more communities post-trial. Overall, the project signifies a step towards enhancing emergency preparedness and community support through innovative green technology and renewable energy solutions.