Toyota New Zealand (TNZ) is making waves in the renewable energy sector as it spearheads the transition towards a hydrogen economy in the country.
With a roster of disruptive innovations from hydrogen-powered speedboats to static electricity generators, TNZ is effectively setting the stage for sustainable industrial revolution.
TNZ’s hydrogen strategy lies in initiating, fostering, and facilitating New Zealand businesses to join the emerging hydrogen market. With the country still in the nascent stages of adopting this course, TNZ’s Chief Executive, Neeraj Lala, emphasizes the aim to cultivate a hydrogen marketplace by cultivating demand and supporting the essential infrastructure.
TNZ is displaying dedicated interest in scouting out hydrogen’s applications across various sectors, particularly in industries that heavily depend on diesel generators. One of the significant steps was their recent collaboration with Air New Zealand for testing a hydrogen fuel cell generator at Wellington Airport, aiming to recharge the airline’s electric tugs and service vehicles.
This practical demonstration of hydrogen’s potential in sectors like aviation will help propagate credibility and benefits associated with the technology. Air New Zealand, having previously aligned with TNZ’s Hydrogen Car Share project, adds to the list of committed partners excited about the possibilities and prospects of hydrogen technology.
Since its launch in May 2022, the Toyota Hydrogen Project car share scheme has managed to save over eleven and a half tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to conventional petrol-fuelled cars.
Emirates Team New Zealand’s Chase Zero, after rigourous testing, has made its way to Europe, leading to orders for five more hydrogen fuel cell chase boats from other America’s Cup teams. Apart from this, in a stride to support the expanding hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in Auckland, Toyota is planning to incorporate 18 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars into a commercial fleet leasing scheme.
TNZ’s contribution towards the clean energy transformation is not only innovative but commendable, helping businesses, city administrations, and ordinary people to visualize a future with reduced carbon emissions and limitless green energy. While planting the seeds of a new hydrogen economy, Toyota New Zealand is showing the world that a greener tomorrow is not only possible but viable and within our reach.
