Hiringa rolls out hydrogen refuelling network in New Zealand

Hiringa Refuelling New Zealand has started building four high-capacity green hydrogen refuelling stations for zero-emission heavy fuel cell electric vehicles.

This initial phase represents a total investment of NZ$ 50 (US$ 35.6 ) million to install the stations in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Palmerston North. The New Zealand Government contributed NZ$ 16 (US$ 11.4 ) million under the COVID-19 Recovery Fund. In addition, the growth capital from our key investors, including Sir Stephen Tindall’s fund K1W1, and international investment from Asia and North America also played a crucial role. These investments build on Hiringa Energy’s Strategic Alliance Agreement with Mitsui and Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd and the memorandum of cooperation on hydrogen between Japan and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Haskel’s Hydrogen Systems Group has signed a long-term agreement with Hiringa Refuelling New Zealand to supply hydrogen refuelling stations across New Zealand. In conjunction with the supply agreement, Hiringa has issued orders for the first four high-capacity refuelling stations for its nationwide green hydrogen network to be delivered and commissioned in 2022.

Stephen Learney, Haskel’s Global MD, commented, “Working in partnership with Hiringa, we will utilize compression, storage and dispensing equipment specifically designed and optimized for the New Zealand network.”

These stations are expected to form the first part of a nationwide refuelling network, shifting the New Zealand heavy transport sector towards decarbonization. It is also planning to expand the network into the South Island through 2023 to provide full coverage of all New Zealand’s heavy freight routes. It has planned 24 high-capacity refuelling stations across New Zealand in the next 4-5 years to support a growing fleet of vehicles.

TR Group, New Zealand’s largest heavy vehicle fleet owner, will facilitate the necessary uptake of vehicles through the support of the New Zealand Government through a NZ$ 6 (US$ 4.3) million investment in the purchase of the first 20 FCEV trucks.

Andrew Clennett, CEO of Hiringa Energy, said, “This achievement is the result of collaborating with our key partner companies and working closely with central and regional government.”

Hyzon Motors plans to supply the initial 20 fuel cell electric trucks to underpin the network. The first 55-ton Hyzon trucks are specified to meet New Zealand regulations and the demanding road conditions. Capable of driving over 600 km between refuelling stops.

Hyzon’s vehicle deployment will be facilitated by TR Group, which will own and lease the Hyzon trucks to several leading logistics companies and their end customers. The locations of the initial four refuelling network stations have been strategically selected to provide coverage for the major heavy freight routes in New Zealand’s North Island.

Craig Knight, Hyzon CEO, noted, “Transitioning heavy transport to zero-emissions requires alignment across the hydrogen ecosystem.”