Five new hydrogen-powered Hyundai NEXOs have joined the Queensland Government’s fleet of 60 zero-emission vehicles, encouraging the development of renewable refueling stations with the goal of reaching 144 electric transport vehicles by the end of 2021.
Queensland Hydrogen Minister, Mick de Brenni, said, “Transport is Australia’s second largest emitter after the electricity sector and every zero-emissions car we can put on the road is another customer for Queensland’s home-grown renewable energy.
“We know Queensland has what it takes to produce renewable hydrogen at scale, which is why we’re investing in new technology as part of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“These vehicles grow demand for renewable hydrogen, which grows demand for renewable energy, which in turn means we can re-industrialise our economy through cheaper, cleaner power.
“Sunshine Coast business H2H Energy have put together a refuelling station at DAF’s Redlands research facility and it’s great to have a Queensland business take the lead in this space.”
The Redlands site is home to the Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) ongoing research and development work into the hydrogen economy.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor, Margaret Sheil, said, “This project will see QUT produce renewable hydrogen and demonstrate how it can be used to refuel hydrogen cars.
“Our researchers, led by Professor Ian Mackinnon, member of the Queensland Hydrogen Taskforce, have been at the forefront of promoting renewable hydrogen as a fuel for the future, and this project is another way we are producing real-world impact in this area.”
State Member for Redlands and Hydrogen Champion, Kim Richards MP, welcomed the test bed for refuelling in the Redlands.
“I welcome the NEXOs to the QFleet given this is where Queensland’s hydrogen story started.
“It’s terrific to see continued advancement of our local leadership on new technology.”
