(Port Kembla / Australia) – The Australian industrial gas company Coregas Pty. Ltd. According to its own information, it is opening the country's first publicly accessible hydrogen filling station for heavy-duty vehicles. The construction of the two million Australian dollar (1,2 million euros) station in Port Kembla on the east coast south of Sydney is being supported by a grant from the New South Wales state government worth 500.000 dollars (301.000 euros).
Locating the station next to Coregas' existing hydrogen production facility and hydrogen transport hub at Port Kembla has increased cost efficiency, said Alan Watkins, executive general manager of Coregas in Australia. “The station will enable hydrogen trucks to reach most of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region and serve greater Sydney.” Ten vehicles could be filled daily.
Conversion of diesel trucks to hydrogen is planned
The conversion of Coregas' diesel fleet to FCEV is "a cornerstone" of the company's decarbonization roadmap. The trucks travel nearly six million kilometers each year, Alan said, contributing to 54 percent of Coregas' carbon emissions. By supporting the adoption of hydrogen trucks in Australia, Coregas is increasing demand for its locally produced gas and supporting the decarbonization of transport.
The industrial gas group Coregas also wants to use the H2 station for its own truck fleet and replace diesel vehicles. © Coregas Pty
Although the “renewable energy revolution” is “in full swing” in Australia, the transport sector remains a “largely untapped opportunity” to reduce emissions. Unlike purely battery-powered vehicles, fuel cell vehicles (Fuel Cell Electrical Vehicles, FCEV) offer a better solution in combination with long distances, high payloads and quick refueling.
The total number of hydrogen refueling stations currently operating in Australia varies depending on the source. Australian statistics record between two and four. According to Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST), there were four on the east coast and one on the west coast at the beginning of August 2023.
Photos
The first public hydrogen filling station for trucks went into operation in Port Kembla in the Australian state of New South Wales. © Coregas Pty
