Viva Energy has launched what is said to be Australia’s-first renewable hydrogen refuelling station at its Geelong energy hub in Victoria.
The energy company claims the facility is Australia first publicly accessible commercial hydrogen refuelling station and will be a hub for a fleet of hydrogen-powered, emission-free commercial heavy vehicles serving the Geelong region.
Last week’s launch was attended by deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles along with the the Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.
Viva claims the opening marks a significant step in its mission to support customers and partners in the transition to cleaner energy solutions, with the company claiming it reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Viva said the project incorporates a 2.5-megawatt electrolyser for the generation of renewable hydrogen using recycled water from Barwon Water’s Northern Water Plant.
In addition the project includes a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), including prime movers, buses and rubbish trucks, all operated by local businesses using the Viva Energy Hub for refuelling.
The company said the site also offers fast charging for commercial battery electric vehicles, combining hydrogen and EV technologies, in an effort to reduce the carbon carbon footprint of medium and heavy vehicle fleets. Recognising the ongoing importance of ICE powered trucks ,conventional diesel will also available at the facility.
Viva said that a key strategy for the project’s success was ensuring hydrogen demand in parallel with the infrastructure development and supply of hydrogen.
The company said it secured four foundation partners before proceeding, including Toll Group; bus operator ComfortDelGro (CDC); waste operator Cleanaway and local utility company Barwon Water.
The company says the partners operate heavy vehicle fleets in and around Geelong and have purchased hydrogen FCEVs with support from the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Authority (ARENA) in a bid to explore hydrogen’s potential in reducing carbon emissions.
Viva Energy says it is looking forward to announcing additional hydrogen partners in coming months as more businesses examine renewable hydrogen as a potential solution to their heavy vehicle carbon footprint.
The company said the Energy Hub also has the capacity to provide renewable hydrogen on a Business to Business commercial basis to support a range of broader initiatives and markets.
Lachlan Pfeiffer, chief strategy officer for Viva Energy, said the new hydrogen refuelling station is a clear demonstration of the ompany’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,” Pfeiffer said.
“This is part of Viva Energy’s broader strategy to diversify its energy offerings and support the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions,” he added.
“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.
Pfeiffer said the development of the refuelling station was only made possible through the collaboration and support of an engaged team of stakeholders, including government agencies, foundation partners and the local community.
“Viva Energy extends its gratitude to all those who have contributed to making this exciting project a reality,” he said.
Viva said that a key strategy for the project’s success was ensuring hydrogen demand in parallel with the infrastructure development and supply of hydrogen.
