Lion Energy, the Australian oil and gas company, embarked on a groundbreaking venture into the green hydrogen space. With its first hydrogen hub at the Port of Brisbane, Lion Energy aims to cater to the Queensland bus and coach sector, providing an alternative zero-emissions power source that revolutionizes the transition to hydrogen fuel-cell buses.
The hub-and-spoke model, set to be unique in the Australian bus market, promises countless benefits, including faster refueling times and efficient distribution of green hydrogen to local operators. This article explores Lion Energy’s visionary journey, the potential impact of green hydrogen, and the challenges it faces as it pioneers the way to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
For an oil and gas company like Lion Energy, venturing into the green hydrogen space was a leap of faith. Recognizing the growing opportunities in the hydrogen refueling market for regulated transport vehicles in Australia, Lion Energy decided to invest in hydrogen production two years ago. The company’s keen focus on green hydrogen led it to identify the Queensland bus and coach sector as the perfect avenue for its new fuel.
To realize its hydrogen dreams, Lion Energy searched for a suitable physical site to kickstart its hydrogen production. After a series of meetings with local authorities, the Port of Brisbane emerged as the ideal location for Lion Energy’s hydrogen refueling station. This strategic choice enables Lion Energy to initiate the delivery of green hydrogen to the city’s bus fleets, offering a much-needed zero-emissions power source.
The hub-and-spoke model designed by Lion Energy aims to revolutionize the transition to hydrogen fuel-cell buses for Brisbane operators. In this model, the Port of Brisbane site serves as the central hub for green hydrogen distribution. Once operators come onboard, their depots become potential spokes, receiving all the hydrogen required to refuel their vehicles. This eliminates the need for individual production facilities at each depot, making the transition to hydrogen more practical and efficient.
Lion Energy’s hydrogen refueling infrastructure, with its quicker refueling times and minimal space requirements, offers numerous advantages over battery electric bus infrastructure. Hydrogen refueling more closely resembles diesel refilling, making it a familiar experience for bus and coach operators. Additionally, hydrogen’s ability to be generated, processed, and used without generating greenhouse gases enhances its appeal as a clean and sustainable fuel option.
Lion Energy’s Port of Brisbane hub, expected to begin commercial operations soon, marks just the beginning of its hydrogen journey. The company envisions more hubs and spokes across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria as the demand for green hydrogen grows. The goal is to become a leading independent producer and distributor of hydrogen, providing a technology that is rapidly advancing and benefiting the bus industry and beyond.
Lion Energy’s visionary leap into green hydrogen showcases the potential of hydrogen as a transformative and eco-friendly energy source. With its hub-and-spoke model, Lion Energy is spearheading the shift towards zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell buses, revolutionizing the Australian transport industry. As the company continues to expand its hydrogen network, the acceleration towards a cleaner and more sustainable future is set to be breathtaking, driven by a commitment to a leading role in the hydrogen revolution.
