Hydrogen will be used to fuel Air New Zealand’s electric tugs and service vehicles at Wellington Airport as part of a trial to explore zero emissions aviation.
Toyota New Zealand and New Plymouth-based clean energy company Hiringa Energy are also joining forces in the project which will explore hydrogen in an aviation setting for the first time in New Zealand.
The trial will be conducted over the next few weeks using a hydrogen fuel cell provided by Toyota New Zealand. The fuel cell uses hydrogen to generate electricity with supply coordinated by Hiringa Energy.
Air New Zealand senior sustainability manager Jacob Snelgrove says the airline wants to pioneer the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft locally.
“Green hydrogen is starting to be used around the world as a low-emission fuel for buses, trucks, trains, and boats. Aircraft are the logical next step and successful test flights are already underway overseas.
“The biggest challenge here in New Zealand is setting up the supply, transport, and infrastructure to support fuelling the aircraft. This trial is an important first step to enable the development of that system,” Snelgrove says.
The trial will help assess the viability of hydrogen for charging and give a good insight into the operational challenges and opportunities.
Hiringa Energy chief executive Andrew Clennett says it’s a chance to demonstrate the technology in an airport setting.
“Green hydrogen has a significant role to play in decarbonising Aotearoa, and this programme is helping everyone to better understand the benefits of introducing hydrogen to airport operations as we prepare for hydrogen-powered aircraft in the future.”
Toyota NZ chief executive Neeraj Lala says the firm’s introduction of its hydrogen fuel cell generator at Wellington Airport aligns with its strategy.
“We are passionate about advancing the hydrogen economy in New Zealand by introducing innovative new technology that supports our decarbonisation ambition.
“By showcasing innovative solutions like the fuel cell generator in practical applications such as aviation, we can stimulate demand and demonstrate the viability and benefits of hydrogen technology, ultimately paving the way for broader adoption and investment in hydrogen across various sectors of the New Zealand economy.
“Our Toyota fuel cell generators will now provide companies serious about climate with a genuine clean energy alternative,” Lala says.
The trial is now underway and will run until March 15, 2024.
