The ACT’s public hydrogen refuelling station in Fyshwick is the first in Australia to receive official zero carbon certification.
It is understood to be only the second in the world to do so behind another hydrogen station in Halle, Belgium.
The zero carbon certification was issued by the Smart Energy Council, which has appointed carbon accounting auditors to perform the process.
The council is the peak body for solar, storage and smart energy management in Australia, and which lobbies, promotes and advocates for around 1000 member companies and agencies involved in these industries.
Canberra’s hydrogen refuelling station was the first opened to the public in Australia, just three days ahead of a second station based at the former Toyota car factory in Altona, Victoria.
Canberra’s station generates its modest hydrogen quantities using renewable energy mostly sourced from the Hornsdale wind farm in South Australia.
A third hydrogen refuelling station is set to open in Brisbane by late this year.
Only two manufacturers – Hyundai and Toyota – currently produce hydrogen fuel cell cars. The ACT government has added 20 Hyundai Nexo fuel cell hydrogen cars to its fleet, all of which will refuel at the Fyshwick station.
Promoting the generation of “green” hydrogen – that is, hydrogen fuel generated by renewable sources such as solar and wind power – is a key stated aim of the council as the federal government steps up its support for the so-called “future fuel”.
An internationally recognised certification scheme is seen as critical to the growth of hydrogen as a potential export fuel, as it will give customers confidence in the renewable sourcing and quality of the product.
John Grimes, the chief executive of the Smart Energy Council, said certification demonstrated the “chain of custody” and quality assurance for international customers as hydrogen-generating projects begin to ramp up around the country.
“There is a window of opportunity for Australia as a volume exporter of green hydrogen but it’s a very short window,” Mr Grimes said.
“There is a high level of global attention building on hydrogen and we commend the ACT government on helping to generate public awareness by showcasing this important renewable energy project.”
The ACT has also become a founding partner in the certification scheme.
Extracted from Canberra Times