News
Toll Group leads the industry in hydrogen-fuel accessibility and adoption
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n March 1st this year, Toll Group today announced the company’s partnership with Viva Energy Australia to launch Australia’s most ambitious hydrogen mobility project. The demonstration project will see the development of a New Energy Service Station in Geelong, Victoria. The station will be Australia’s first publicly accessible, dedicated heavy vehicle hydrogen refuelling station and is expected to commence operations in late 2023. Viva Energy’s new facility will also offer battery electric vehicle recharging, bringing together zero emission technologies to support Australia’s energy transition. Toll Group will provide two hydrogenpowered prime movers deployed for the delivery of Viva Energy liquid fuels to its customers across South Western Victoria. Toll Group envisions that this project will be a catalyst for a network of hydrogen refueling stations from Geelong to Sydney and onto Brisbane. “We’re proud to lead the industry and partner with Viva Energy to develop the future of zero-emissions transport for heavy vehicles. We believe in the potential for hydrogen to deliver a carbon free energy solution for the transport industry and this project is our first step on this journey,” said Thomas Knudsen, Toll Group’s Managing Director. The project received a $22.8m grant from the federally funded Advancing Renewables Program through ARENA. In addition, the Victorian Government contributed $1 million to the infrastructure build of the project via its Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund. “We’re grateful for the hydrogen vehicle funding support provided by the federal government through ARENA and for the Victorian Government’s contribution to the project. Collaboration between government and industry is the best way to advance Australia’s renewable energy goals and for industry to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Mr Knudsen. The new station, located on the corner of Station Street and the Princes Highway at the entrance to Geelong Refinery, will be Australia’s first publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling location for heavy vehicles.
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WATM • April 2022
INDIA PARTNER WITH AUSTRALIAN IN CRITICAL MINERALS SECTOR
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new investment partnership with India is set to unlock mutual benefits for both countries from Australia’s world-leading critical minerals sector. Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the Government has allocated $5.8 million to the threeyear Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership. “Australia and India are natural partners sharing mutual strategic and economic priorities and this Partnership will support further Indian investment in Australian critical minerals projects,” Minister Pitt said. “It is the first of its kind and represents a step-change in how countries can work together to support key industries and pursue growth
opportunities. “Our combined capabilities will take on the challenge of resourcing the emerging technologies used in sectors such as defence, aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, telecommunications and agritech. “India is forecast to become the world’s most populous country within two years. Its fast-growing economy will create more trade and investment opportunities, so it is important Australia continues to build close ties with India. “With our vast quantities of development-ready critical minerals projects and reputation as a reliable trading partner, Australia is a logical choice as India looks to secure its supply chains,” Minister Pitt said.
