A new chapter in clean transport is unfolding as Toll Group teams up with Viva Energy Australia to deliver a major step forward in zero-emission freight. The companies are leading a hydrogen mobility initiative that could reshape the movement of goods across Australia.
At the centre of this initiative is the development of a New Energies Service Station in Geelong, which will be the first publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling station in the country dedicated to heavy vehicles. The facility is expected to begin operations in 2023 and aims to support the national shift to cleaner energy while offering a practical solution to decarbonising freight transport.
The project is focused on demonstrating the commercial potential of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in real-world logistics. As one of the more difficult sectors to decarbonise, the heavy vehicle industry faces a unique challenge in transitioning away from fossil fuels. This initiative is designed to show that hydrogen can play a key role in reducing emissions while keeping supply chains running smoothly.
Toll Group will operate two hydrogen-powered prime movers as part of the project, delivering Viva Energy’s liquid fuels across south-western Victoria. The company views this investment as the starting point for a broader network of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure that could eventually stretch from Geelong to Sydney and Brisbane.
Located adjacent to Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery, the new station benefits from its proximity to key road corridors and a nearby water recycling plant, which will support the hydrogen production process. This strategic positioning enables efficient distribution while showcasing how existing industrial infrastructure can be leveraged to support emerging energy technologies.
Backed by government funding, the project received $22.8 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support construction and deployment. An additional $1 million was provided by the Victorian Government to assist with infrastructure costs.
ARENA’s support is part of a broader effort to accelerate the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel across Australia. The agency aims to enable early adopters, especially in heavy transport, to trial and prove the technology in operational settings. By doing so, the project is expected to generate valuable insights into vehicle performance, refuelling logistics, and ongoing maintenance requirements, helping pave the way for widespread adoption.
The Geelong site will supply renewable hydrogen generated on-site, which will be used by independent fleet operators and participating logistics providers. This hands-on experience will offer crucial data about how hydrogen vehicles perform under commercial workloads, while demonstrating that clean transport options can be both effective and scalable.
Viva Energy views the partnership as a critical move towards its broader clean energy strategy. By collaborating with long-term customers and logistics operators, the company hopes to highlight the practicality of hydrogen in everyday freight operations. The project not only showcases innovation but also reinforces the need for private and public sector collaboration to achieve national carbon reduction targets.
As demand for sustainable transport grows, initiatives like this are expected to drive further investment in hydrogen and other renewable energy technologies. The lessons learned from Geelong will inform future hydrogen station rollouts, especially as the cost of key technologies—such as electrolysers—continues to decline.
The partnership between Toll Group and Viva Energy is a significant milestone in Australia’s clean energy journey. By investing in infrastructure, technology, and operational trials, the companies are helping to build a foundation for a more sustainable freight sector.
This project signals the start of a transition. As hydrogen becomes more commercially viable and industry demand increases, Australia is well-placed to lead the way in zero-emission transport for heavy vehicles. With government support and industry leadership, hydrogen may soon become a mainstream energy source powering the trucks that keep the country moving.
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