Aurizon plans to use four hydrogen-powered prime movers to haul goods in and around its freight operations at Stuart Terminal and the Port of Townsville.

Member for Mundingburra and North Queensland Hydrogen Champion Les Walker said Aurizon planned to build a refuelling station in Townsville and source hydrogen from Ark Energy.

The project has won up to $5 million backing from the State Government through round two of the $35 million Hydrogen Industry Development Fund (HIDF).

Aurizon managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Harding said renewable hydrogen offered enormous opportunities to Australia’s transport industry.

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“Renewable hydrogen is one of the emerging energy options that will assist industry to decarbonise operations throughout the supply chain while remaining cost competitive,” Mr Harding said.

“Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight company and renewable hydrogen will play an important role in enabling us to reach our target of net zero operational emissions by 2050.

“Queensland Government funding will assist us to look at replacing diesel-powered trucks with new technology hydrogen fuel cell electric heavy vehicles.”

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Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said Aurizon’s project would put four hydrogen-fuelled prime movers on the road in Townsville and create more opportunities for other businesses to convert their transport fleets to new technology fuel.

Aurizon is also involved in work with Anglo American on a feasibility study into introducing hydrogen-powered trains for bulk freight in Queensland.

IMAGE at top of page: Aurizon general manager Bulk East David Wright, Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Minister for Energy, Hydrogen and Renewables Mick de Brenni at Aurizon’s Townsville facilities for the announcement.