This week I joined operators and representatives from industry, government and global organisations at the opening of two Hydrogen refuelling stations in Auckland.

These stations along with others opening around New Zealand will provide fast refuelling for the Hydrogen trucks and cars that are starting to arrive into New Zealand.

For NZ Post who are already operating a Hyundai fuel cell electric truck and trailer, it will mean the unit can now be double shifted.

For the members that are about to take delivery of the 20 Hyzon tractor units that are departing Melbourne shortly, they will have the infrastructure to ensure these units operate as close to equivalent of their diesel stablemates.

What we will see in the months ahead is real world application of hydrogen fuel cell trucks performing freight tasks alongside their diesel equivalents.

We will see real data rather than desk to models, real drivers will provide feedback and if the team at Shay Transport (operators of the NZ Post Hyundai) are any indication, it will be positive.

For the early adopters among you that are taking up the opportunity to lease one of these units from TR Group, thank you for having the courage to try the new. To the rest of our industry, this is a great opportunity to watch, learn and get ready to identify if and when it is right for you.

At NRC, we will be working on how to overcome any regulatory or policy challenges the new technology provides.

As Andrew from Hiringa said at the opening of their station on the Waitomo Petroleum site in Wiri, hydrogen is just one tool in the decarbonisation toolbox alongside battery electric and efficient diesel engines. There is no single solution that will meet every requirement and NRC will continue to push for a Just Transition towards a zero carbon economy by 2050.

Congratulations to Halcyon, Coregas, Hiringa, Waitomo, TR Group & the dozens of companies that supported these ventures for achieving this milestone.

Justin

– Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, National Road Carriers Association.