hydrogen-dual transport

For us it’s all about how do we make a meaningful difference today. This truck does that without payload degradation, without range anxiety, and the ability to lead the industry. The big benefit is it’s zero carbon, using 40 to 50 percent hydrogen.

Wishart says nine more dual-fuel trucks will be deployed in coming months, operating out of Gore, where the first hydrogen fuel station is being built. Allied Petroleum operates 122 Allied Petroleum stations in New Zealand, so there is good potential for growth. “It’s a successful fuel for the heavy vehicle industry. We are deploying it around the country.”

Mike Webster, of Christchurch-based Transport Repairs Ltd, is responsible for converting each truck to run on dual fuel. An advantage is it’s possible to convert pretty much any truck, both older and new. Conversion and ongoing maintenance are also seen as a growth area for training and upskilling mechanics and engineers.

Another interesting aspect is how the hydrogen is produced. Professor Sally Brooker, of the University of Otago, heads up He Honoka Hauwai, the German-NZ Green Hydrogen Centre. She has set up a table demonstrating how hydrogen – the most abundant element in the universe – can be produced using electricity to split hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O2). The hydrogen is used for fuel while the oxygen can be used for other purposes, for example, in hospitals. Once the energy from the hydrogen is expended, it recombines with oxygen to form water (H20) as the only by-product.

She says hydrogen can be transported safely and conveniently, just like any other fuel.

Brooker is pleased that in New Zealand hydrogen is produced using electricity generated from the Manapouri underground power station, making it true green hydrogen. She also sees a big potential for growth in clean energy.

According to HWR, one dualfuel truck running an average of 384km per day can eliminate 200kg of carbon emissions per day. If all New Zealand’s fleet were to transition to dual-fuel, millions of kilograms of carbon emissions would be eliminated each year.

HWR chief executive Anthony Jones says the dual-fuel project will make a significant difference to the road transport industry. “For us it’s all about how do we make a meaningful difference today. This truck does that without payload degradation, without range anxiety, and the ability to lead the industry. The big benefit is it’s zero carbon, using 40 to 50 percent hydrogen.”

Jones says smaller BEVs (battery electric vehicles) may be a good solution around town and for passenger cars, but they are not so practical for heavy long-haul transport. Fuel cell vehicles are another possibility, but they are not widely available so far.

“We’re excited by it. We see it as the only solution for heavy mass at the moment. We’re proud of what part this will play in the industry showing it’s possible to change.”

By David Killick