Exploring the possibilities for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure
At a glance
Driven by a stronger emphasis on net zero greenhouse gas emission targets for Australia’s road sector and plans by global vehicle manufacturers to eventually discontinue the design or manufacture of new internal combustion vehicles, CSIRO is exploring the possibilities for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across Australia.
The challenge
To help inform government decision-making at the federal, state and local levels, CSIRO approached us to produce a report around refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen-powered road vehicles.
The report had to consider current technologies and methods for hydrogen refuelling, business models to support infrastructure development, and opportunities for research and innovation.
Our response
Through careful consideration of a range of factors, we outlined the current state of play in the hydrogen refuelling sector and its anticipated trajectory of growth.
Our study included:
- A scan of current state-of-the-art technology in hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for both heavy and light vehicles, including options for both on-site and off-site hydrogen production, transport and supply
- The range of existing and potential business models for hydrogen refuelling to support infrastructure development, including total cost of ownership models and hydrogen supply chain options
- A techno-economic model to identify key refuelling cost drivers and trajectories, incorporating opportunities for research, development and innovation.
A critical contributor to the development of the report was the extensive industry engagement that our team undertook. We interviewed over 20 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), regulators, infrastructure owners and government officials to gain insight into where the market is heading and what a refuelling network of the future might look like.
The impact
Our report has provided insights that will help the Australian government, industry and research agencies make evidence-based decisions around hydrogen refuelling infrastructure investment and policy development.
Through a detailed assessment of existing technologies currently in play or being developed to support growth of the sector, we identified research and advancement opportunities that could further improve existing approaches.
We also identified successful initiatives that have been achieved internationally and how Australia could learn from these, including in the areas of policy and infrastructure / technology deployment.
By comparing costs of competing technology and scalability of certain technologies, we have provided CSIRO with insights around cost stack, cost trajectories and the most accessible investment opportunities across the value chain.