Australia is set to witness an expansion of its hydrogen service station network, courtesy of a partnership between Ampol, the nation’s largest petrol retailer, and OneH2, a US-based firm specializing in alternative fuels. The collaboration announced on Monday, aims to accelerate the integration of hydrogen as a clean energy source in Australia and contribute to emissions reduction in heavy transport industries.
This development follows BP’s recent inauguration of Australia’s first hydrogen refueling facility at a service station. It also echoes the warning from a CSIRO report that emphasized the urgency of increased hydrogen investments to keep pace with global advancements in the sector.
Brent Merrick, Ampol’s International and New Business Executive General Manager highlighted the significance of this partnership in expanding eco-friendly transportation choices and instilling confidence among companies to invest in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Merrick stressed the pivotal role of hydrogen in curbing emissions across the transportation and energy sectors, especially in heavy transport and machinery domains.
Paul Dawson, CEO of OneH2, recognized the challenges of establishing hydrogen as a transport fuel but expressed optimism due to the company’s extensive experience in hydrogen equipment development and deployment in the US. Dawson anticipates that this expertise will hasten the adoption of hydrogen fuel solutions in the Australian market.
Ampol’s move aligns with a recent CSIRO report that called for intensified efforts by energy providers to implement hydrogen refueling infrastructure, accompanied by governmental development of policies and standards aligned with international guidelines.
A significant recent milestone was the launch of BP’s hydrogen refueling station at the Lytton service station, which uses renewable hydrogen generated through solar power at Bulwer Island. This station powers a fleet of hydrogen-fueled Hyundai Nexos vehicles, exemplifying the potential of clean energy adoption in practical applications.
Australia’s hydrogen refueling station count currently stands at less than ten. However, a collaborative effort between Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, manifested in the “hydrogen super highway,” aims to establish an integrated network across major highways. Concurrently, the Australian federal government is revising the National Hydrogen Strategy of 2019, with aspirations to become a global hydrogen leader by 2030.
The Ampol-OneH2 partnership heralds a new phase in Australia’s pursuit of sustainable transportation and a cleaner energy future. As the nation strives to align with global clean energy trends, such collaborations serve as crucial stepping stones toward achieving its ambitious emissions reduction goals.
