Tri-state support for hydrogen refuelling network

Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria are joining forces for a renewable hydrogen refuelling network for heavy transport and logistics along Australia’s eastern seaboard. The states have agreed to collaborate on the development of the east coast hydrogen refuelling network that includes the nation’s most critical roads and highways. Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said hydrogen presented an enormous opportunity for the state, including emissions reduction opportunities and fuel security benefits. “When you consider the impacts of the COVID pandemic and international conflicts, it’s clear Australia must achieve energy independence, to shield our nation from foreign companies and foreign powers,” Mr de Brenni said. “Low emissions electricity and hydrogen fuelled heavy transport will sit at the heart of the renewable energy eco-system. “Transport is the fastest growing sector for emissions and ironically it could also be the key to reducing them. “Transport applications are one of the most economic uses of hydrogen, where it is already competitive with diesel on a cost-of-fuel basis. “However government support is needed to help develop refuelling stations so transport companies can economically invest in new vehicles. " CS Energy last week announced that it had appointed IHI Engineering Australia to build a renewable hydrogen plant expected to fuel heavy transport in Queensland’s Western Downs region. The State is providing $28.9 million towards the Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant near Chinchilla. Queensland Hydrogen Taskforce transport advisor Renata Berglas said the freight sector was well aware of the need to transition to new fuel sources. “Providing a reliable source of renewable hydrogen will give industry certainty that hydrogen is a viable alternative to diesel,” she said. “The next step will be increasing supply of zero emissions vehicles designed to meet Australian requirements.” Volvo vice president of emerging technology business development Paul Illmer welcomed the collaboration. “Hydrogen will play a vital part in Volvo Group Australia’s decarbonization strategy during the latter half of this decade,” he said. “A holistic approach to fueling the Australian economy is needed to accelerate our journey to a fossil fuel free future. “And for our part we are committed to building Australian engineered battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell heavy vehicles here in Queensland as a part of that strategy. “The roll out of local hydrogen infrastructure gives us the certainty to push ahead on that journey.”

Tri-state support for hydrogen refuelling network

Industry Queensland

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