Hiringa deploys mobile hydrogen refuelling site in Christchurch

Green hydrogen company Hiringa Energy has deployed a temporary mobile refuelling site in Hornby, Christchurch, to support hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles being built in the South Island.

The mobile setup will operate for two months, enabling fast refuelling of fuel cell trucks produced by Global Bus Ventures before they head north to operate on Hiringa’s ultrafast hydrogen refuelling network in the North Island.

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) delivery and partnerships group manager Richard Briggs visited the site last week.

Hiringa says while it does not yet have a permanent green hydrogen refuelling station in the South Island, the mobile system provides a practical solution for vehicle testing and pilot projects.

In a LinkedIn post, the company acknowledged the support of HW Richardson Group, TR Group and Alexander Group NZ in bringing the project together.

Briggs says a reliable hydrogen supply is becoming increasingly important for emerging transport and non-transport initiatives in Christchurch.

“A reliable supply of hydrogen is needed for a number of transport and non-transport initiatives emerging across Christchurch,” Briggs says.

“A big thank you to Hiringa Energy, TR Group, HW Richardson Group and Alexander Group NZ for collaborating to make this happen quickly. We now need to explore commercial opportunities for oxygen offtake locally that can make hydrogen applications more viable.”

Hiringa is developing a nationwide hydrogen refuelling network aimed at supporting heavy transport decarbonisation.