NZ’s first green Hydrogen station begins construction

New Zealand’s first green Hydrogen refuelling station begins construction in Palmerston North this week.

The project is the first of four hydrogen refuelling stations developed by Kiwi energy companies Hiringa Energy and Waitomo Group.

Hiringa Energy CEO Andrew Clennett says the station will be one of the first in the world that caters specifically for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks.

Clennett says the project is massive in the heavy vehicle industry’s push to be cleaner and more sustainable.

“Green hydrogen is the key technology that will allow these fleets to stay on the road,” he says. [It] can have a real impact on reducing our transport emissions.”

Construction of the four North Island stations will cost more than $50 million. However, additional sites in Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland will create a network that serves 95 per cent of the Island’s trucking routes.

Plans are in place to expand into the South Island. The ultimate ambition is to set up 24 stations nationwide within the next five years.

Hyundai New Zealand recently purchased five hydrogen trucks, with the first already on our roads.

Additionally, truck rental company TR Group has 20 hydrogen-powered trucks on their way.