Hydrogen RIF package to support regional opportunities
Published: 28 August, 2026
A new $30 million funding package has been set aside within the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support projects that help grow New Zealand’s hydrogen sector.
The package is designed to support hydrogen projects as they become investment ready and can demonstrate benefits for regional New Zealand.
Hydrogen has the potential to support energy security, strengthen resilience, diversify New Zealand’s energy system, and create new opportunities for regional businesses and communities. The package is intended to help regions take advantage of emerging technologies while supporting long-term economic growth.
Electrification will reduce much of our exposure to energy shocks, but some sectors still depend on imported fuels and remain vulnerable to supply disruptions.
This is where hydrogen could play a role – it has potential particularly in heavy transport, aviation, shipping and industrial processes that require high energy density or high-temperature heat.
Hydrogen presents an economic opportunity that can help New Zealand lift productivity, attract investment and grow exports. This can be a boon for our regions, supporting high paying jobs, local expertise and economic development.
Hydrogen is also an opportunity to attract international investment that supports our trading relationships, with benefits flowing to regional businesses and innovators.
Projects seeking support will need to go through the normal RIF assessment and approval processes before any funding decisions are made.
The hydrogen package aligns with broader work already underway within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to support hydrogen development in New Zealand and is intended to help turn emerging opportunities into practical regional investments.
Hydrogen — Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit officials will consider existing RIF applications for support from the hydrogen package if they meet the criteria and will consider new hydrogen applications until the package is fully allocated.