Australia’s first publicly accessible commercial hydrogen refuelling station officially opened for business in Geelong today.
Located at Viva Energy’s Energy Hub, the site will be used by a fleet of hydrogen-powered, emission-free commercial heavy vehicles servicing the Geelong region.
The project incorporates a 2.5-megawatt electrolyser for the generation of renewable hydrogen using recycled water from Barwon Water’s Northern Water Plant.
The site also offers fast charging for commercial electric vehicles, bringing together hydrogen and EV technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of Australia’s medium and heavy vehicle fleet. Conventional diesel will also available.
Viva Energy said a key strategy for the project’s success was ensuring hydrogen demand in parallel with the infrastructure development and supply of hydrogen. Viva Energy secured four foundation partners before proceeding: Toll Group; ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC); Cleanaway and Barwon Water.
These partners operate heavy vehicle fleets in Geelong and have purchased hydrogen FCEVs with support from ARENA to explore hydrogen’s potential in reducing carbon emissions.
Viva Energy said today’s launch, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and the Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio, marks a significant step in its mission to support its customers and partners in the transition to cleaner energy solutions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Viva Energy Chief Strategy Officer Lachlan Pfeiffer said the new hydrogen refuelling station is a clear demonstration of Viva Energy’s dedication to investing in the future of energy.
“By providing hydrogen as an alternative fuel, we are aiming to reduce emissions and contribute to the development of a more sustainable heavy transport sector in Australia,” he said.
“This is part of Viva Energy’s broader strategy to diversify its energy offerings and support the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions.
“Offering hydrogen refuelling alongside fast charging for commercial EV vehicles – and the potential for renewable diesel in the future – is recognition that we believe the pathway to net zero will require a mix of new fuels and technologies alongside traditional offerings,” he said.
Fast facts:
- The electrolyser will have the capacity to generate 1,000 kilograms of hydrogen per day. It is currently the largest electrolyser producing renewable hydrogen in Australia.
- The scale of renewable hydrogen production in Geelong means there is capacity to sell it to other commercial customers.
- The fast-fill hydrogen refuelling package will be capable of dispensing 300 kg of hydrogen in under two hours, providing customers with a refuelling experience similar to filling up with diesel. It is designed to refuel at least 10 trucks consecutively.
- The project received a $34 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program.
- The Victorian Government also contributed $1 million to the project via the Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund. The funding supported the construction of the infrastructure, the hydrogen vehicles and the hydrogen supply itself.