Building the next generation hydrogen fuel service station
The Australian Government is boosting its support for the uptake of heavy hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles by funding construction of Australia’s first public New Energies Service Station in Geelong, Victoria.
Through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the government is providing $22.8 million for Viva Energy to build the hydrogen cell refuelling station.
The service station will also have electric vehicle battery recharging and traditional diesel refuelling infrastructure.
The Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction said construction of the hydrogen fuel station is part of the government’s strong commitment to reduce emissions in the transport sector through low emissions technologies.
‘Viva Energy’s project is a major step to putting hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road, supporting consumer choice and reducing emissions from the heavy vehicle sector,’ the Minister said.
‘A publicly accessible New Energies Service Station will allow drivers to experience safe and convenient hydrogen refuelling.’
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said, ‘This project will be a key opportunity for early uptake of commercially viable hydrogen and a service station model that could be replicated across Australia as the price of electrolyser technology drops.’
The New Energies Service Station will be built opposite Viva Energy’s petroleum refinery. The location will provide access to high voltage infrastructure and recycled water from the nearby Barwon Water recycling plant for production of hydrogen.
The project complements the recently opened second round of the Future Fuels Fund that focuses on supporting light and heavy vehicle low emissions fleets.
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