A new joint cooperation agreement has been signed between ReNu Energy’s subsidiary, Countrywide Hydrogen, and Smartavait Technologies, trading as 7R Logistics, to support the development of green hydrogen projects and decarbonize the heavy transport vehicle industry in Tasmania.
This collaboration aims to establish strategically located hydrogen refueling sites across the state to enable a network of refueling stations along major transport routes.
Green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable fuel produced by using renewable energy sources to power electrolysis, which separates hydrogen from water. It offers several advantages over traditional fuels, particularly in heavy transport. Hydrogen-powered trucks demonstrate similar or superior performance to their diesel counterparts in terms of power output, torque, payload, refueling time, and range. The introduction of hydrogen-powered trucks in Australia is planned to coincide with Countrywide’s first hydrogen production in Tasmania.
Under the terms of the agreement, Countrywide Hydrogen will develop green hydrogen projects in Tasmania to supply certified green hydrogen to 7R Logistics for heavy vehicle road transport. The goal is to offer green hydrogen at a competitive price compared to diesel, providing an environmentally friendly alternative for the transport industry. In turn, 7R Logistics will support Countrywide by adopting zero-emissions heavy vehicle transport options utilizing fuel cell electric vehicles and exclusively purchasing green hydrogen from Countrywide.
The collaboration between ReNu Energy’s Countrywide Hydrogen and 7R Logistics aims to promote a transition to zero-emissions road transport and expand zero-emission options for companies striving to achieve their emissions reduction targets. By joining forces, both entities demonstrate their commitment to fostering sustainable practices in the transport sector.
7R Logistics, formerly known as BLU Logistics, is a national heavy vehicle transport company catering to major food and dairy companies in Australia. This partnership with Countrywide Hydrogen allows 7R Logistics to offer its customers a critically fast-refueling hydrogen fuel cell electric option, aligning with the growing demand for zero-emission freight services among Australian companies.
Geoffrey Drucker, Executive Director of ReNu Energy and Managing Director of Countrywide, expressed that the partnership with 7R Logistics will accelerate the development of green hydrogen projects in Tasmania and encourage a transition to zero-emissions road transport. Drucker also called for support from the State Government to facilitate the shift to zero-emissions transport, emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve a sustainable future.
Tim Jensen, Managing Director of 7R Logistics, highlighted the strong interest among Australian companies to secure zero-emissions freight services as they strive to meet their emissions reduction targets. Partnering with Countrywide Hydrogen enables 7R Logistics to offer its customers and others a fast-refueling hydrogen fuel cell electric option.
While the executed agreement is currently a non-binding strategic framework, it lays the groundwork for collaborative efforts between Countrywide Hydrogen and 7R Logistics as Countrywide’s projects progress. There is potential for the agreement to expand to other states in the future, demonstrating the potential for nationwide adoption of green hydrogen in the heavy transport industry.
In conclusion, the joint cooperation agreement between Countrywide Hydrogen and 7R Logistics signifies a significant step towards decarbonizing the heavy transport vehicle industry in Tasmania. By developing green hydrogen projects and establishing refueling infrastructure, this partnership aims to provide a competitive and sustainable alternative to diesel. With the support of the State Government, the transition to zero-emissions road transport can be accelerated, benefiting both the environment and the transport industry as a whole.
