New Zealand: Two Kiwi companies join forces to push hydrogen fuelling

Waitomo Group and Hiringa Energy have plans to develop some 20 hydrogen fuelling stations in New Zealand.

Innovative Kiwi energy companies Waitomo Group and Hiringa Energy have announced their intentions to work in partnership to develop New Zealand’s first nationwide hydrogen refuelling stations network.

Taranaki-based Hiringa Energy is the first company in New Zealand dedicated to the supply of green hydrogen, providing solutions for industry, the public sector, and transport operators. Waikato-based Waitomo Group is New Zealand’s fastest-growing independent fuel retailer.

Together the two companies will work on the detailed engineering requirements and consenting for a network of hydrogen refuelling sites - some of which will be on existing Waitomo Fuel Stops. Initial locations have been selected, with plans for a further 20 stations to be developed across both the North and South Island.

Hiringa Energy CEO and Co-Founder, Andrew Clennett, says the partnering with Waitomo brings together the complementary skills and strengths of two innovative, future-focused companies to provide leadership in the development of hydrogen as a viable alternative commercial fuel source for New Zealand.

“Heavy transport makes up only four percent of our vehicles, but they’re responsible for over 25 percent of our total vehicle emissions. Hydrogen is the key technology that will allow these fleets to stay on the road – a mass-market, clean energy solution that can have a real impact on reducing our transport emissions,” Mr Clennett says.

Development and consenting for the first hydrogen refuelling sites will get under way this year. The two companies will work together to identify and scope further sites for development of the network in 2020.