Hydrogen Fuels Australia (H2FA) is launching Australia's first modular hydrogen production and integrated FCEV refueling operation at its greenfield facility in Truganina, near Laverton, Victoria.
Founded on environmentally sustainable and "low impact" concepts, H2FA's operation uses its own electrolysis assets (in island mode) to convert renewable power into green hydrogen. H2FA facilities will not be connected to the energy grid.
H2FA will utilize Nilsson Energy RE8760 technology to manage the site micro-grid, allowing all facilities to operate as an island and be completely self-sufficient. Contained within the Nilsson Energy solution is equipment from Green Hydrogen Systems, designers and manufacturers of efficient, modular electrolyzers to produce hydrogen, while Plug Power, providers of clean hydrogen and zero-emission fuel cells, will provide power to the site. Rainwater will be used for the electrolysis process. All necessary capital equipment for fuel generation and storage has been ordered, and pending permits, will be operational in February 2022.
H2FA's 5-hectare site will initially be capable of producing 60-90kgs of green hydrogen from its own 750kw solar array. Ultimately the site will be scaled up to supply approximately 3,000 kg with capacity to fuel 100+ vehicles per day.
In addition to housing Victoria's first integrated commercial hydrogen refueling station, the Truganina site will also feature research and educational facilities to fully utilize and commercialize all available resources on the site, while showcasing innovative and imaginative industrial design.
Due to the modular nature of H2FA's hydrogen power facilities, the site will have all equipment above ground, so that the operation can be relocated with minimal environmental impact and cost – a major advantage over legacy petroleum and diesel refueling stations.
"H2FA's new, completely self-sufficient operation in Melbourne represents a replicable standard for future stations throughout Australia, taking maximum advantage of its modular concept while also benefiting from a low cost operating model," said Craig Ehrke, CEO of Skai Energies.
"The modular H2FA model will also enable us to expand rapidly across Victoria and Australia to meet growing demand for hydrogen refueling, while allocating capital and other resources with optimal efficiency," H2FA's CCO, Robert Grove said.