In anticipation of the growing demand for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, the question of refueling these vehicles has become a key concern. Coregas, an Australian-owned industrial gases company, has taken a significant step in addressing this issue by inaugurating the first hydrogen refueling station in Port Kembla, NSW. With the assistance of a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government, the $2 million H2Station has become a reality.

The H2Station is set to play a vital role in facilitating the introduction of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell trucks to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region. Local heavy vehicles will be encouraged to utilize the H2Station, which has the capacity to rapidly refuel up to 10 vehicles per day. This low-cost commercial solution capitalizes on existing infrastructure, aimed at laying the foundation for a future network of hydrogen-fueled transport.

Alan Watkins, Executive General Manager at Coregas in Australia, highlighted the operational and cost efficiencies achieved by locating the H2Station alongside Coregas's existing hydrogen production plant and transport hub for bulk hydrogen in Port Kembla. He emphasized that the H2Station will enable hydrogen trucks to access the majority of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region and even reach metropolitan Sydney.

Transitioning Coregas's diesel truck fleet to fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is a crucial aspect of the company's decarbonization roadmap. Watkins explained that the diesel truck fleet covers nearly six million kilometers annually, which is equivalent to driving 150 times around the world. This substantial distance contributes to 54% of Coregas's carbon emissions. By embracing FCEVs, Coregas aims to significantly reduce its environmental impact.

Working in collaboration with project partner Haskel, Coregas designed the H2Station to compress hydrogen from its existing plant up to 500 bar. This allows for efficient supply into the FCEVs' 350 bar cylinders. The hydrogen dispensing system has a capacity to discharge 400 kg of fuel-cell-grade hydrogen. Stewart Anderson, Haskel Hydrogen Business Development Manager (APAC), highlighted the world-leading compression, storage, and dispensing equipment utilized in the Port Kembla station.

By spearheading the introduction of hydrogen trucks in Australia, Coregas not only builds local demand for its hydrogen gas but also supports the broader community in decarbonizing their transport. The opening of the H2Station in Port Kembla marks a significant milestone in the advancement of zero-emissions heavy vehicle transportation in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region.