Ports of Auckland has been approved for part-funding for the purchase of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund (LEVCF), administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Ports of Auckland, with project partners Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and KiwiRail, will procure a hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) bus and three HFC cars as part of its wider project to build a hydrogen fuel production plant. The fund will provide 14 per cent of the estimated cost of these vehicles.
As announced in 2018, Ports of Auckland has committed to build a hydrogen production and refuelling facility at its Waitematā port, a first for Auckland.
New ways to address climate change
Ports of Auckland’s Hydrogen Project Manager Rosie Mercer said the part-funding was welcome news.
“Collaboration is key to the success of a project like this, which is breaking new ground in an effort to stem climate change. That is why we’re working with Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and Arup. Having government support as well is a real boost.”
About hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a type of electric vehicle (EV) but are powered by hydrogen fuel cells rather than batteries. In the fuel cell hydrogen is combined with oxygen to produce electricity. Fuel cell vehicles are zero emission.
Auckland Transport Bus Services Manager Darek Koper said AT is excited about the possibilities of hydrogen power for Auckland’s buses.
“This ties into our Low Emission Bus Roadmap and commitment to clean technology. It could be part of the answer, along with electricity, for our buses and is also a possible energy source for harbour ferries.”
