Fuel corporation unveils hydrogen-fueling facility, energy source derived from "environmentally friendly electricity"
In a significant step towards a greener future, Viva Energy has unveiled Australia's first publicly accessible commercial hydrogen refueling station in Geelong, Victoria. The station, which is part of broader efforts to decarbonise the heavy vehicle sector, aims to support the expansion of the renewable hydrogen sector and help Victoria achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
The state energy minister, Lily D'Ambrosio, has hailed the facility as a crucial addition to the renewable hydrogen sector. The station uses a 2.5 MW PEM electrolyser from Nel Hydrogen, capable of producing up to 1,000kg of hydrogen daily. At maximum production, the station can refuel up to 10 trucks consecutively, dispensing up to 300kg of hydrogen in under two hours.
The project has been partially financed by Arena and the Victorian Government's Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, with A$22.8 million and A$1 million in pledges, respectively. Viva Energy's electrolyser is connected to the wider electricity network, but the company is unable to decide where its electricity is coming from to power the electrolyser. The company buys sustainable electricity from the grid to power its electrolyser, although the specific mix of renewable electricity used for electrolysis is not specified.
Viva Energy has partnered with several companies to utilise the hydrogen produced at the site. Four companies have partnered to use the hydrogen to power seven hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Partners include freight company Toll Group, transport provider ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC), waste management firm Cleanaway, and an unnamed company.
The facility's hydrogen production method involves electrolysis, which turns water into hydrogen and oxygen as a byproduct, and requires renewable energy to be considered carbon-free. However, without specific information on the electricity source used for electrolysis at the Geelong facility, it cannot be confirmed whether the hydrogen is green or not.
It's worth noting that the majority of the world's hydrogen is currently referred to as "grey", meaning it's been produced through a carbon-intensive process. Over 95% of the world's hydrogen is produced through steam methane reformation, a process that turns natural gas into hydrogen and carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The National Electricity Market's energy mix is heavily reliant on black and brown coal, as well as gas.
Viva Energy aims to reduce emissions and contribute to a more sustainable heavy transport sector with this project. The company plans to deploy up to 15 hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles within two years. This initiative is a significant step towards a greener future for Australia's transport sector and underscores Viva Energy's commitment to sustainability.
- In the field of environmental science, renewable hydrogen plays a key role in decarbonising the heavy vehicle sector, as demonstrated by Viva Energy's commercial hydrogen refueling station.
- The health-and-wellness of future generations may benefit from the investment in renewable energy like hydrogen, as it reduces emissions associated with transportation.
- To foster the growth of the renewable hydrogen sector, collaboration between different industries is essential, as shown by Viva Energy's partners in the transportation, waste management, and freight sectors.
- Climate change initiatives in Australia are moving towards cleaner alternative energy sources, such as renewable hydrogen, with projects like Viva Energy's station aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
- The fusion of technology, science, and finance is vital for the success of renewable hydrogen projects, as seen in the funding from Arena, the Victorian Government, and Viva Energy's investments in renewable electricity.
