Australia’s first green hydrogen refuelling station opens in Geelong

Australia’s first publicly accessible hydrogen service station has opened, in a huge move towards decarbonising commercial vehicles.

Australia’s first hydrogen refuelling station has opened in Geelong, setting the stage for the regional city to be serviced by hydrogen-powered and emission-free heavy vehicles.

The renewable facility is the first of its kind in the country and also offers fast charging for commercial electric vehicles.

Deputy Prime Minister and local member Richard Marles attended the launch of the station and said it represented “the future”.

“This is a really significant step and actually, I think, a very memorable day in Australia’s renewable energy story, but very much in Australia’s hydrogen story,” said Mr Marles.

“Hydrogen is a great hope in terms of decarbonising the Australian economy and actually globally, dealing with the challenge of climate change.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles attended the official opening the Viva Energy Hub in Geelong. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“We are so well positioned as a nation, given our abundant renewable energy sources in solar and wind, but also because we’re at the forefront of commercial long distance vehicle use, which is really one of the great applications of hydrogen as a commercial fuel.”

He said the new refuelling station was “so important” and the government was looking forward to further use of hydrogen in commercial transport.

Viva Energy chief strategy officer Lachlan Pfeiffer said it marked a change in Australia’s efforts to reduce emissions and make a more sustainable heavy transport sector.

“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.

The station will be capable of dispensing at least 300kg of hydrogen every two hours, which Viva said would give a similar experience to filling up a diesel engine.

It should be capable of refuelling at least 10 trucks at once.

The facility is reportedly capable of refuelling 10 heavy vehicles at once. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The project will use renewable electricity to generate green hydrogen, using recycled water from the nearby Barwon Water Northern Water Plant.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the facility would help decarbonise its vehicle fleet.

“We’re excited to work with Viva Energy and the other vehicle operators on an innovative project that could deliver lasting benefits for the region and beyond.”

Viva said the scale of hydrogen production in the region meant there would be capacity to sell it onwards to other commercial customers.