Hydrogen project will fuel heavy transport

Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Hiringa Energy have joined in an agreement for a clean-tech project in Taranaki to produce green hydrogen using renewable energy to power transport.

The $50 million showcase project of Taranaki’s energy future will be based at Balance’s Kapuni ammonia-ura plant, where the development of a sustainable, green hydrogen market in New Zealand will fuel heavy transport.

Fleet operators are pushing to reduce carbon emissions in response to zero carbon legislative change.

“This flagship green hydrogen project is a collaboration of national significance,” Ballance Agri-Nutrients chief executive officer Mark Wynne says.

“Working with Hiringa we have a truly unique opportunity to create a hydrogen ecosystem at Kapuni – powered by renewable energy – that we can grow and develop as a template for New Zealand’s leadership in what is an exciting space globally.”

The Kapuni green hydrogen production alone is expected to generate sufficient ‘green’ hydrogen to supply up to 6000 cars, or 300 buses and trucks per year.

The project aims to effective use hydrogen fuel cell technology for zero-emission heavy transport, displacing fossil fuels.

The two companies are planning the construction of up to four large wind turbines to supply 100% renewable electricity directly to the Kapuni site.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this opportunity forward for our farmer-shareholders, for Taranaki, and for New Zealand – to create a renewable hydrogen energy hub that could enable deep cuts in emissions from our heavy transport fleets and also produce an alternative green nutrient source to help keep New Zealand growing,” Wynne adds.