New Zealand’s first green hydrogen plant has begun commercial operation.

Halcyon Power created the 1.5 MW green hydrogen plant in Taupo, which is powered by electricity supplied by the adjacent Mokai geothermal power station.

Halcyon Power is a 50/50 cooperation between Tuaropaki Trust and Obayashi Corporation of Japan.

According to Aya Inagaki, project manager for Halcyon Power, the facility has officially been commissioned. Due diligence will be conducted following the commission’s conclusion and should be completed by the end of 2021.

Since 2018, the green hydrogen plant has been under development, with construction set to begin in 2020. According to Tuaropaki CEO Steve Murray, the facility is planned to begin domestic hydrogen wholesale sales in January 2022 and produce approximately 180 tonnes of hydrogen in its first year. The plant’s long-term goal is to contribute to a fully integrated hydrogen supply chain, including transportation, storage, and recharging.

Murray explained that green hydrogen is a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and coal-derived hydrogen used in industrial processes.