The governments of Victoria and New South Wales are each investing A$10mn ($7.5mn) to deliver a green hydrogen refuelling network across the Australian states.

The scheme will install at least four refuelling stations along the Hume Highway, which connects Sydney and Melbourne.

It will also provide grants to support around 25 hydrogen-powered long-haul freight vehicles.

The two governments have signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Queensland to collaborate and share knowledge on what they have learned from the trial, known as the Hume Hydrogen Highway.

“Transport applications are one of the most economic uses of hydrogen” De Brenni, Queensland

The three states hope to form an interconnected east coast hydrogen refuelling network focusing on key freight routes linking the states, according to Queensland energy minister Mick de Brenni.

“Transport applications are one of the most economic uses of hydrogen, where it is already competitive with diesel on a cost-of-fuel basis,” he says.

“However, government support is needed to help develop refuelling stations so transport companies can economically invest in new vehicles.”

Hydrogen prices need to be around A$5-6/kg ($4-5/kg) to be competitive with diesel, according to Craig Knight, CEO of hydrogen vehicle manufacturer Hyzon Motors.

Industry welcome

The collaboration will give a clear signal to industry that investment in hydrogen vehicles is worthwhile, according to vehicle manufacturer Volvo’s vice-president of emerging technology business development, Paul Illmer.

“We are committed to building Australian-engineered battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell heavy vehicles here in Queensland as a part of that strategy,” he says. “The rollout of local hydrogen infrastructure gives us the certainty to push ahead on that journey.”

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Author: Tom Young