The State Government of Victoria is making significant investments in renewable hydrogen to ensure energy resilience in the Yarra Valley during extreme weather conditions and emergencies. A $1.1 million investment has been allocated to the Telstra Hydrogen Fuel Cell Pilot project, which has deployed five hydrogen fuel cells in communities such as Coldstream, Kinglake, and Chum Creek. Telstra's executive, Vicki Romanovski, highlighted that these fuel cells can store up to 72 hours of energy per site using green hydrogen fuel tanks, providing essential backup power during outages. This initiative, part of the $6.6 million Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, aims to assess the technical and commercial viability of hydrogen as a reliable backup power source with zero carbon emissions. Various companies, including Volgren Australia and Viva Energy, are conducting similar hydrogen trials under this program. The successful installation of the Neerim North mobile network renewable hydrogen backup system on July 4 demonstrates the progress in leveraging renewable hydrogen for energy resilience. Energy and resources minister Lily D'Ambrosio emphasized that renewable hydrogen will be crucial in strengthening energy resilience and facilitating a smooth energy transition, aligning with Victoria's Gas Substitution Roadmap. By utilizing hydrogen fuel cells with green hydrogen storage, the initiative not only ensures reliable extended backup power but also contributes to emission reduction, marking a positive step towards sustainability and climate change mitigation.