Countrywide and 7R Logistics to decarbonise Tas trucking

Hydrogen truck driving along highway (countrywide plug power)
Hydrogen fuel cell truck (Image: Shutterstock)

Renewable hydrogen project company Countrywide Hydrogen has inked a Joint Co-Operation Agreement with 7R Logistics as they strive to enable and promote the use of green hydrogen by fuel-heavy transport vehicles in Tasmania, with other states to follow. 

Countrywide is aiming to have three Tasmanian hydrogen refuelling sites strategically located near Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie, allowing the state’s major transport routes to be covered by a network of refuelling stations. Hydrogen-powered trucks deliver similar or better performance than diesel equivalents in terms of power output, torque, payload, refuelling time, range, and whole-of-life cost of operation. 

Related article: Australia needs National Zero Emission Truck Strategy

Hydrogen-powered trucks will be available in Australia to coincide with Countrywide’s first hydrogen production in Tasmania. As a result, 7R has become the first transport operator in the state to sign on to offer a zero-emissions option to customers. 

7R has committed to offering a zero-emissions heavy vehicle transport alternative to its customers currently using fuel cell trucks fuelled by renewable hydrogen from Countrywide. 

7R currently operates 12 heavy vehicles powered by diesel in Tasmania, on average operating over 200,000km a year and each emitting 250 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Extrapolating these numbers across this fleet will mean emissions reductions of 3,000 tonnes a year by converting to zero emission fuel cell vehicles. 

Related article: Volvo Trucks takes hydrogen trucks for a spin in Arctic Circle

Countrywide managing director Geoffrey Drucker said, “This partnership with 7R will help to promote the benefits of, and fast track the development of, green hydrogen projects in Tasmania. To help achieve this, we are calling for support where possible from the state government to help enable the transition to zero-emissions road transport.

“With government support, together we can promote the commitment to zero-emissions road transport, while actively encouraging and supporting others in the industry to transition to zero emissions.” 

Previous articleVictorian businesses saving big with solar installations
Next articleDarwin-Katherine big battery ready for pre-commissioning