Maori/Japanese hydrogen pilot project announced

Generating hydrogen from geothermal energy will be tested under a pilot project in Taupo.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to begin hydrogen production has been signed by the Tuaropaki Trust and Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation.

It’s expected to help New Zealand’s “hydrogen economy” and may aid efforts to establish electric vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells to extend their range.

The use of hydrogen in transportation, producing only water as an emission, was covered at an APEC EV and hydrogen technology workshop in Wellington in November.

The trust opened the Mokai geothermal power station near Taupo in 2000.

“We have a shared interest in renewable energy and will use our collective experience and expertise to once again push the boundaries of what can be achieved,” Tuaropaki chief executive officer Steve Murray says, Stuff reports.

Tuaropaki chairman Tumanako Wereta says the trust has long been committed to renewable energy.

“We are very interested in other ‘green energy’ alternatives which align with our strategy and core values.

“We look forward to working with Obayashi Corporation to explore the potential for commercial hydrogen production using renewable geothermal energy to create a CO2-free fuel.”

Obayashi Corporation was involved in the construction of Auckland’s dual 2.4km Waterview motorway tunnels.