The proposed development of New Zealand’s first nationwide hydrogen refuelling network will provide an important step in the journey towards a low emissions transport sector, the Motor Industry Association says.
This is an exciting prospect and New Zealand has a lot of scope to produce clean hydrogen, MIA chief executive David Crawford says.
“We need to reduce emissions from our vehicle fleet and hydrogen can play an important role.”
Crawford says that producing hydrogen from renewable electricity backed up by abundant gas resources in Taranaki will have a big impact on transport emissions and help to lower its carbon footprint.
“We need to be prepared to use all forms of low emission fuels, and not just focus on electricity.”
New car distributors are very supportive of the prospect of a clean green transport future, Crawford says.
“It’s clear that there are good business opportunities for hydrogen development and distribution, as demonstrated by the proposed partnership between Hiringa Energy and the Waitomo Group.
“A comprehensive hydrogen production and a refuelling network would provide an important new source of fuel, not only for heavy vehicles, but increasingly for cars.
“Hydrogen vehicles are already in use in the UK, USA, Japan, Korea and Europe, and last year Hyundai unveiled its hydrogen-powered SUV at Mystery Creek Fieldays.”
