Australia takes a giant leap into the hydrogen era with Coregas, the nation’s leading industrial gas supplier, launching the country’s inaugural commercial hydrogen refuelling station for heavy vehicles at Port Kembla in the Illawarra.
This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a significant transformation in the transportation sector, bringing zero-emission fuel cell vehicles to the forefront. With plans to transition to green hydrogen and ambitious targets for fleet conversion, Coregas sets a promising precedent for sustainable mobility in Australia. This article delves into the goals, technology, potential impact, and challenges surrounding this groundbreaking milestone in Australia’s hydrogen journey.
The unveiling of the $2 million hydrogen refuelling station signifies a pivotal moment in Australia’s clean energy transition. Coregas, strategically located within the Bluescope Steel terminal at Port Kembla, stands at the forefront of sustainable transport solutions. The station allows a typical 400-kilowatt vehicle to refuel in just 15 minutes from an empty tank, enabling long-haul journeys of up to 650 kilometers on a tank of hydrogen. Coregas’ executive general manager, Alan Watkins, envisions a future where up to 10 heavy vehicles per day can refill at the station, revolutionizing the refuelling experience for freight transport.
Embracing hydrogen as the ultimate gas fuel, Coregas proudly leads the charge towards greener transportation. Hydrogen, when burned, emits only steam, making it an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Coregas emphasizes the importance of payload and refuelling time advantages over electric vehicles (EVs). Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles boast quick refuelling times without the need for extended charging, addressing the concerns of long-haul commercial fleets. Additionally, the lighter payload of hydrogen vehicles in comparison to battery-heavy EVs offers enhanced commercial viability for businesses.
Presently, Coregas utilizes “grey” hydrogen derived from natural gas. However, the company envisions transitioning to “green” hydrogen, sourced from less polluting, carbon-neutral sources. Coregas aims to convert its fleet of a dozen vehicles to hydrogen within the next few years. While grey hydrogen is currently more prevalent due to its cost-effectiveness, the company actively engages in advanced negotiations to embrace “green” hydrogen produced from biogas, reducing its carbon footprint significantly.
The ambitious hydrogen goals of Coregas align with the New South Wales government’s commitment to fuel and energy reform. The state aims to introduce a fleet of 8,000 hydrogen buses, with successful trials already running on the Central Coast. Collaboration with TAFE NSW to build the workforce required for this transition underscores the government’s dedication to nurturing a skilled workforce for the emerging hydrogen economy.
The launch of Australia’s first commercial hydrogen refuelling station by Coregas marks a historic moment in the country’s sustainable energy journey. The station’s strategic location at Port Kembla sets the stage for transforming the heavy transport sector towards zero-emission solutions. Coregas’ commitment to green hydrogen and fleet conversion goals demonstrates the potential for hydrogen to revolutionize Australia’s transportation landscape. With government support and skilled workforce development, the hydrogen revolution gains momentum, paving the way for a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
