Council to play key role in landmark hydrogen project
Published on 08 November 2021
Lake Macquarie City Council has signed on to a landmark green hydrogen project aimed at making the Hunter Region a renewable energy powerhouse.
Council is among a suite of industry heavy-hitters, including University of Newcastle, Jemena and Keolis Downer, to partner with Port of Newcastle in backing a $3 million feasibility study into developing a green hydrogen hub at the port.
The study, part-funded by the Australian Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will look at how hydrogen could be stored, used and distributed from the Hunter hub.
Council Director Built and Natural Assets David Hughes said Council’s role in the partnership and trial would be assessing its position as a potential end-user.
Hydrogen is seen as an emerging alternative energy source for vehicles and other future use, replacing diesel in trucks too heavy to rely on standard electric vehicle batteries.
That includes garbage trucks such as those used throughout Lake Mac.
“Lake Macquarie City Council is excited to partner with Port of Newcastle and the H2 team for this trial – we’re always open to exploring new technology and how it can benefit the community we serve, the environment and our organisation,” Mr Hughes said.
“There’s great synergy between what the Port of Newcastle wants to investigate as a supplier, and our vision as a potential end-user of hydrogen.”
Separate to the Port of Newcastle trial, Council is seeking ARENA funding to purchase two hydrogen-powered garbage trucks and refuelling equipment to test their capability and potential for future fleet rollout.
“Our existing fleet of 18 garbage trucks consumes 420,000 litres of diesel a year, emitting more than 1.1 million kilos of CO2 annually,” Mr Hughes said.
“Our investigations have identified that using hydrogen as a power source in our heavy vehicle fleet could significantly mitigate our carbon emissions, while also supporting the establishment and growth of locally based advanced manufacturing and service organisations.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Council was committed to embracing innovation and green initiatives.
“This partnership has great potential to deliver significant environmental and community benefits, including reducing our dependence on fossil fuel, reducing our environmental footprint and creating direct and indirect high-skilled jobs in Lake Mac and across the region,” Cr Fraser said.