National science agency CSIRO and Swinburne University of Technology’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2) have launched a state-of-the-art clean hydrogen refuelling station, purpose-built for enabling hydrogen research.
The $2.5 million refuelling station uses green hydrogen produced with electricity from renewable sources that allows hydrogen cars to travel over 600km emissions-free on a full tank.
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Located at CSIRO’s Clayton site in Victoria, the station showcases the real-world application of hydrogen and will be used to demonstrate hydrogen’s utility for transport.
It will also be used to test emerging hydrogen technology and train the next generation on the use of hydrogen stations to ensure Australia remains internationally competitive.
CSIRO CEO Dr Doug Hilton said hydrogen will play a significant role in Australia’s energy transition and the decarbonisation of our road transport sector.
“The technology is an exciting piece in the puzzle in Australia’s renewable energy future and will deliver long-term community and environmental benefits, boost the economy and create new jobs and opportunities for Australia and Australians,” Dr Hilton said.
“This is innovative, inventive, inspired technology that builds the sovereign capabilities Australia needs to transition to net zero.”
The refuelling station can generate up to 20kg of green hydrogen a day via electrolysis, and has a storage capacity of 80kg, enough for more than 10 cars.
The station is a significant component of CSIRO’s Hydrogen Industry Mission, which aims to support national and global decarbonisation through leading research and the development of a commercially viable Australian hydrogen industry, comprising both domestic and export chains.
“Hydrogen is increasingly being recognised as ‘the fuel of the future’—and for good reason,” Dr Hilton said.
“Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element in the universe and, when used to power fuel cell electric vehicles the only exhaust product is water vapour.”
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Victorian Hydrogen Hub director Gordon Chakaodza said the collaboration with CSIRO was a key pillar in the hub’s mission to further Australia’s hydrogen economy.
“We are using state-of-the-art facilities to demonstrate to industry and the community the capabilities of fuel cell electric vehicles. This will cement Victoria as a key player in accelerating the deployment of hydrogen cars in Australia,” Chakaodza said.
