New initiative to build hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in Australia

Fortescue and ATCO launch a joint project to showcase H2 mobility in Western Australia and support the transition to the next generation of zero-emission transport.

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) and ATCO Australia (ATCO) have signed an agreement to explore the deployment of hydrogen vehicle fuelling infrastructure in Western Australia (WA). Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate to build and operate a combined hydrogen production and refuelling facility at ATCO’s existing facility in Jandakot in the Perth metropolitan area, with the possibility of wider deployment across the State.

The initial refuelling facility will provide Fortescue, ATCO and approved third parties with the opportunity to refuel vehicles capable of utilising hydrogen as the primary fuel source, including a fleet of Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicles which have been made available by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia.

“Identifying and establishing partnerships is critical to unlocking the future potential of hydrogen and we look forward to working with ATCO to capitalise on the economic opportunities associated with hydrogen and support the development of a competitive hydrogen industry,” says Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, on the importance of cooperation in the development and deployment of a hydrogen refilling infrastructure in Australia.

“ATCO’s Clean Energy Innovation Hub (Hub) has been generating and testing the use of renewable hydrogen for more than six months in gas blending and power applications. The Hub provides a fantastic base from which to partner with Fortescue to contribute to Western Australia’s burgeoning renewable hydrogen industry,” says ATCO Managing Director in Australia, Pat Creaghan.

“This partnership sets a strong foundation to support the introduction of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles into Australia and we look forward to exploring the opportunities that will develop in the future,” comments Toyota Australia Manager of Future Technologies and Mobility, Matt MacLeod.

ATCO and Fortescue have sought funding under the State Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Fund to support the development of this infrastructure, and are awaiting the outcome of this submission.