Hiringa Energy establishes hydrogen refueling network in New Zealand

Green H2 firm Hiringa Energy recently launched Hiringa Refueling New Zealand (HRNZ), Australasia's first green hydrogen refueling network for the transport sector, to aid New Zealand towards its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

With 25 percent of transport emissions coming from the heavy transport sector despite only making up four per cent of the vehicles on the roads in the island nation, the H2 infrastructure is seen as an important step towards decarbonizing the country's heavy transportation sector.

The network has been established in partnership with New Zealand's leading independent fuel supplier, Waitomo Group, and TR Group, Australasia's largest heavy vehicle fleet owner. The launch sees three strategically located stations opening in Wiri (South Auckland), Te Rapa (Hamilton) and Palmerston North, with a fourth station in Tauranga progressing as an integral part of the new Tauriko SH29 roading infrastructure. 

Together, the green energy network is positioned to service about 95 percent of the heavy freight routes across the North Island including the 'Golden Triangle' of freight movement between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga in the country. 

"Heavy transport plays a vital role in our economy, but it's also a significant contributor to our national emissions," said Andrew Clennett, CEO of Hiringa. 

"As a first-of-its-kind across Australasia and one of the first networks set up globally to service heavy transport, the initiative addresses this major challenge by providing operators with the infrastructure they need to switch to zero-emission transport in an efficient, scalable and commercially viable manner", he added. 

The H2 network has received $16 million loan from the New Zealand Government, growth capital from key investors including Sir Stephen Tindall's fund K1W1, and international investment from Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Green Impact Partners alongside Hiringa Energy.

Simon Parham, Chief Executive Officer of Waitomo Group, commented, "Green hydrogen offers a versatile, alternative solution for long-haul trucking and other heavy transport vehicles as New Zealand begins the switch to future fuel generation. Waitomo has been fueling Kiwis for more than three generations, so we'll also be part of the fuel solutions for the future generations.

Fleet operator TR Group has deployed Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell hydrogen on commercial operations since 2023 in the country, having completed more than 70,000 kms already. "It has been exciting to be able to enable this groundbreaking initiative by bringing fuel cell truck technology to the NZ market", noted Brendan King, Group General Manager, TR Group. 

"The technology unlocks a clean alternative for hard-to-abate sectors that are difficult to electrify, where hydrogen meets the intense demands of handling long distances and heavy loads", he added.