Countrywide Hydrogen has initiated a feasibility study for the construction of a “Hydrogen HyWay” connecting Adelaide and Melbourne, heralding a new era in Australia’s transportation landscape.
The study encompasses the identification of sites for green hydrogen production and fueling facilities, with potential locations identified in Victoria’s Portland and Warrnambool, as well as South Australia’s Mount Gambier. The estimated cost for these facilities is approximately $35 million, with completion slated for early 2027.
According to Geoff Drucker, the managing director of Countrywide Hydrogen, the project aligns with environmental goals, aiming to minimize harm to the environment. The proposed facilities are designed to support hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, presenting a compelling alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-powered cars.
Scott Dwyer, the research director at the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, sheds light on how hydrogen fuel cell vehicles operate. Similar to battery electric vehicles, these vehicles use hydrogen fuel to power the fuel cell, which then generates electricity to drive the wheels. One notable advantage is the rapid refilling capability, comparable to the familiar process of refueling petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
However, despite these advantages, Australia faces a challenge in the slow adoption of hydrogen fuel. Geoff Drucker estimates that there are merely around 20 hydrogen cars in the entire country, primarily due to the scarcity of refueling stations. The demand for hydrogen fuel has been overshadowed by the widespread preference for battery electric vehicles, posing a hurdle to the growth of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
While Countrywide Hydrogen’s proposal has garnered interest from freight companies, especially in the timber and dairy industries, challenges persist in the broader adoption of hydrogen fuel. Automotive companies are increasingly exploring the electrification of trucks, diverting attention from hydrogen-powered solutions.
In contrast, Fennell Forestry, a logging business based in Compton, is nine months into a two-year trial using an electric truck for transporting logs. The managing director, Wendy Fennell, emphasizes the need to address challenges such as battery weight, charging infrastructure shortages, and a lack of supportive policies and regulations.
As Countrywide Hydrogen steers its ambitious “Hydrogen HyWay” project, the feasibility study extends its scope to explore additional opportunities. These include blending green hydrogen into natural gas networks and transitioning rubbish truck fleets to hydrogen. The proposal highlights the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, especially for heavy-duty applications where battery weight can be a limiting factor.
