A new agreement between gas supply company Coregas and energy infrastructure company Jemena will open up green hydrogen from Jemena’s Western Sydney plant to be used in transport in New South Wales.
The agreement means that green hydrogen-powered buses, trucks and cars could be a reality in New South Wales from early 2022.
Jemena’s General Manager for Renewable Gas, Gabrielle Sycamore, said the agreement further demonstrates the potential of green hydrogen to store renewable energy and integrate future gas, electricity and transport refuelling networks.
“We know that green hydrogen has the immediate potential to become a viable zero-emission alternative to many petroleum-based fossil fuels currently used by industries such as transport and remote power generation,” Ms Sycamore said.
“Hydrogen fuel cells are particularly well-suited to long distance heavy haulage trucking requirements based on their comparatively light-weight and fast refuelling times which can be just a matter of minutes.”
Hydrogen is used to power fuel cell buses and cars in countries around the world. In Japan, 500 fuel cell vehicles are being used to transport competitors and staff at the Tokyo Olympics (hydrogen is also being used to power the Olympic flame), while in London hydrogen fuel cell buses are being used for public transport across the city.
The green hydrogen will be produced at Jemena’s $15 million Western Sydney Green Gas Project. Co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Power-to-Gas project is converting renewable electricity to hydrogen gas which can be blended and stored in Jemena’s gas distribution network to supply New South Wales homes and businesses.
Ms Sycamore said, “Together with the Western Sydney Green Gas Project, Jemena is bringing renewable gas to homes and businesses across New South Wales.
“It’s also offering the transport industry the opportunity to create their own path to a low-carbon future.
“Our partnership with Coregas is an exciting extension to the Western Sydney Green Gas Project and will allow the New South Wales transport industry to innovate by offering cleaner energy solutions to their customers.”
