First fill for NZ hydrogen bus manufacturer

Hiringa Energy and technology partner Haskel Hydrogen Systems have marked a special milestone by completing the first hydrogen fill at Global Bus Venture’s (GBV) manufacturing facility in Rolleston, Christchurch.

The collaboration between the companies demonstrates New Zealand’s capability for developing innovative zero emission solutions for domestic and international markets, Hiringa says. 

Global Bus Ventures is using the refuelling unit operated by Hiringa and developed by Haskel to refuel its hydrogen powered fuel cell buses as they complete the manufacturing process for testing before being delivered to customers. 

GBV vice president Mike Parker says his team is pleased to announce the “significant milestone” as they continues to lead the way for zero emission bus design and manufacturing.

“Hiringa and Haskel have been key partners in ensuring the safe and efficient refuelling of our hydrogen bus product line,” he says.

Haskel worked with Hiringa to deliver mobile hydrogen compression equipment capable of safely fuelling buses and trucks up to 350 barg working pressure. 

Haskel has delivered multiple of 700bar and 350bar hydrogen systems globally and expects an increased deployment in 2021. 

Haskel Australia and New Zealand sales director Paul Peverley says “it has been great to partner with a capable and experienced operator like Hiringa to bring our industry leading products to a promising new market”.

“We look forward to continuing working together to further develop hydrogen refuelling opportunities across the region.”

Hiringa is developing a nationwide green hydrogen refuelling network which will begin operations in 2021 and expand to eight stations across the North and South Islands in 2022.

This will provide coverage for 100% of all heavy freight routes in the North Island and 82% of all heavy freight routes in the South Island. 

Hiringa chief technical officer Dan Kahn says the team is “actively supporting New Zealand’s drive to establish innovative zero emission transport solutions”.

“This is a great way to kick off 2021, and a significant milestone for commercial hydrogen refuelling across New Zealand.

“It is a great opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders in hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle manufacturing. We look forward to accelerating the decarbonisation of public and commercial heavy transport in New Zealand and Australia,” Kahn says.