Multiple research streams into Hydrogen in New Zealand

Hiringa Energy’s hydrogen refueling network for heavy freight trucks was launched recently in partnership with the Waitomo fuel group.

With New Zealand’s first hydrogen refueling network being set up to fuel freight trucks, a wide range of research is also underway in New Zealand universities and crown research institutes into the production, use and storage of hydrogen – primarily ‘green’ hydrogen produced by splitting water using electrolysis.

Fun facts: One kilogram of hydrogen contains 130 times more energy than one kilogram of batteries; and one kilo of hydrogen contains 39kWh of power. (Source GNS Science.)

While much of the research into hydrogen is aimed primarily at end uses such as transport and electricity generation, it potentially has a role in heating for industrial processes and household applications, replacing natural gas in these situations.

Science and innovation funding from MBIE (the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) includes a joint New Zealand-German research programme – where each country contributed $6 million – with research being undertaken by scientists in both countries.

The New Zealand projects include research into safe, solid-state hydrogen storage by the University of Waikato using a titanium-Iron alloy (Ti-Fe); underground storage in natural rock formations by the University of Canterbury; and production of hydrogen from non-pure seawater or wastewater, and new electrocatalytic systems by GNS Science.

MBIE says the research will contribute to both governments’ vision for a sustainable energy future.

“Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role as Germany and New Zealand move towards a carbon zero future.

“Aotearoa New Zealand has committed to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

“However, the transformation pathways for our energy systems remain unclear. Green hydrogen technologies, by offering long-term storage and green fuels, are a potential enabler for a net-zero emissions energy sector.”

(Visit Hydrogen New Zealand to see a map of all current hydrogen projects.)