Australia’s first public hydrogen refuelling station is now operational in Geelong.
Toll Group has joined as a foundation partner to launch its hydrogen-powered transport operations with the Viva Energy hydrogen hub, backed by ARENA and the Victorian Government.
It features a 2.5 MW electrolyser capable of producing 1,000 kilograms of green hydrogen daily – currently the largest such installation in the country.
The system uses renewable electricity and recycled water from Barwon Water’s Northern Water Plant to generate hydrogen on-site.
The fast-fill refuelling system can dispense 300 kg of hydrogen in under two hours and is designed to service at least 10 heavy vehicles consecutively, providing diesel-like turnaround times.
This positions the station to support high-utilisation commercial fleets with minimal downtime.
Toll will begin operating two hydrogen fuel cell electric B-Double prime movers later this year, hauling steel on a 300-kilometre return route between Hastings and Geelong.
The vehicles are projected to eliminate 254 tonnes of CO₂ annually and displace 95,000 litres of diesel consumption.
Alongside Toll, other foundation partners include ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia, Cleanaway, and Barwon Water – all operators of hydrogen FCEVs in the Geelong region.
Viva Energy plans to onboard additional fleet operators and expand hydrogen supply on a commercial basis.
“By providing hydrogen as an alternative fuel, we are aiming to reduce emissions and contribute to the development of a more sustainable heavy transport sector in Australia,” said Viva Energy Chief Strategy Officer Lachlan Pfeiffer.
“Offering hydrogen refuelling alongside fast charging for commercial EV vehicles – and the potential for renewable diesel in the future – is recognition that we believe the pathway to net zero will require a mix of new fuels and technologies alongside traditional offerings.”