With the support of the NSW Government, Coregas will develop a hydrogen refueling station at its existing Port Kembla hydrogen production facility supporting the introduction of zero emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region for the first time. The facility will enable the deployment of Australia’s first prime mover fleet of hydrogen powered vehicles to initiate a transformation of the region’s transport environmental footprint.
Coregas also acknowledges the support of BlueScope, with the refueling facility to be located on the site of their Port Kembla Steelworks. This project is also a demonstration of the commitment of all levels of Government in support of developing Port Kembla as a Hydrogen Hub in pursuit of a clean energy future. Minister Matt Kean has also identified Port Kembla as a critical site for a hydrogen hub.
The Port Kembla hydrogen mobility facility will demonstrate the suitability of fuel cell vehicles to Australian fleets as a commercially ready solution and showcase the technology’s potential to improve energy security, create jobs and investment, and decarbonise the transport sector.
Decarbonization opportunities will be immediate with the project to deliver 50% emissions reductions from the vehicles that utilize the station. Coregas is also exploring opportunities for renewable hydrogen sources for future use to further reduce its environmental footprint.
The project also represents a strategic first step in developing a broader hydrogen ecosystem for Port Kembla and Illawarra-Shoalhaven. The region is primed to be an epicentre of the emerging hydrogen sector possessing several advantages to foster the development of thriving domestic and export hydrogen sector.
The Coregas hydrogen refueling facility is expected to be operational by late 2021 and will support the fuel needs of locally operated hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.