The hydrogen station was developed by Neoen as part of an offshore wind farm agreement in 2016, and will service a government-owned fleet of 20 hydrogen vehicles
Hyundai’s Hydrogen-fuelled car, the NEXO, Credit: Dr. Artur Braun (Arturbraun), CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Australia has joined the list of a growing number of countries that offer hydrogen refuelling stations for public use. Australia’s first hydrogen station has been developed in partnership with French renewable energy giant Neoen.
In 2016, Neoen won a contract to build the Hornsdale Wind Farm Stage 3 project, and developing this hydrogen refuelling station was part of its agreement with the Australian government. The hydrogen station will be operated by ActewAGL, a utility company based in Australia Capital Territory (ACL). The station, to be located in Canberra will produce green hydrogen.
The opening of Australia’s first hydrogen refuelling station is a symbol of the government’s belief in the potential of hydrogen to enable the transition towards a more sustainable economy. The Australian government recently purchased a fleet of 20 Hyundai NEXOs which will be serviced by the station in Canberra. Around the world, hydrogen is gaining increasing traction as a protean solution to the decarbonisation of a wide variety of industries. In particular, vehicles powered by a hydrogen fuel cell have several advantages including faster refuelling, an extensive range and removing toxic byproducts given off by fossil fuel vehicles.
The ACT’s Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury, said: “The opening of [Australia’s first hydrogen station] is a major milestone in the rollout of zero-emissions vehicles. Green hydrogen produced using the ACT’s 100% renewable electricity supply will be available at the station. This station will allow fuel cell electric vehicles on our roads alongside battery electric vehicles, forming a strong pathway to zero emissions transport in Canberra.”
Louis de Sambucy, Managing Director of Neoen Australia, said: “The station’s opening paves the way for the delivery of many more hydrogen refuelling stations across Australia. Renewable hydrogen represents an exciting opportunity for the decarbonisation of transport, gas and industrial sectors in the ACT and beyond as we transition towards a high penetration renewable energy electricity grid.”
