Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

[ozbob]

IRJ --> Austria's Zillertal Railway opts for hydrogen trains

THE board of Austria's Zillertal Railway has opted for hydrogen trains as an alternative to electrification of its 32km narrow-gauge line from Jenbach on the Innsbruck - Salzburg main line to the Tyrolean ski resort of Mayrhofen.

Services are currently operated by diesel locomotives and push-pull coaches and a fleet of DMUs.

The railway consumes around 800,000 litres of diesel annually, and two options have been evaluated with the aim reducing both operating costs and pollution.

In 2015 Zillertal Railway unveiled plans to electrify the 760mm-gauge line at an estimated cost of €156m including track upgrades and rolling stock. However, the installation of catenary is opposed by some municipalities along the line, which have argued electrification would be visually intrusive.

The railway has therefore decided to move forward with the alternative option, hydrogen fuel cell trains. A total of €80m will be required for new rolling stock and hydrogen fuelling and production facilities, which will use energy supplied by local hydroelectric power stations.

Zillertal Railway will now build a prototype train using the withdrawn Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) class 4090 EMUs currently stored at Zell am See.

Following tests, a tender will be launched for the series trains, which should be ready by 2022.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railwaygazette/status/963091980120199170

[rogerfarnworth]

Is this similar in concept?

https://twitter.com/unibirmingham/status/1141696165538336768

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railjournal/status/1141727189290881024

[ozbob]

Queensland's first hydrogen 'car refuelling station' will open next year at @QUT's Kelvin Grove campus. #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/wWpU8nCUNy

— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) August 27, 2019

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Hydrogen cars to be added to government's fleet in next step to phasing out petrol


The Queensland government will add Hyundai Nexo vehicles to its fleet from 2020. CREDIT:STOCKSY

The Queensland government will add five hydrogen-powered cars to its fleet of 10,000 cars from next year.

It is the next step in the government's plan to phase out petrol-only cars in QFleet, which provides vehicles for departments and agencies, by 2028.

The trial, one element of the government's $19 million Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy, will involve leasing Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai vehicles.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles are considered particularly "green", as they emit only heat and water while being driven.

However, a hydrogen car could cost somewhere between $77,000 and $90,000, and there are no refuelling stations in Queensland.

Gas company BOC is developing a $3.1 million renewable hydrogen plant at Bulwer Island near the Brisbane Airport, while the Palaszczuk government has also been working with the Queensland University of Technology to deliver a refuelling station in Brisbane.

The hydrogen refuelling station, the first in Queensland, will be available to the public.

There are also plans to build refuelling stations in Victoria and Canberra.

Hyundai future mobility senior manager Scott Nargar said the manufacturer had other customers in Brisbane who wanted to use hydrogen cars but it was still only a small number.

"We know some of our customers in the research and universities, and some of the industrial customers, are all looking forward to taking hydrogen cars into their fleets ... It'd be in the 10s and 20s to start off with and then we'll build up from there," he said.

Mr Nargar said refuelling cost about €10 ($16.40) a kilogram in Europe, or about €65 to get a range of 600 kilometres to 700 kilometres.

"So it's equivalent to petrol and that becomes cheaper when more stations come on - the more competition, the cheaper the fuel becomes," he said.

"The Nexo is a fully compliant car ready to sell in Australia; we just need the (refuelling) stations to be able to deploy the vehicles - this is one of the first stations in the country."

State Development Minister Cameron Dick said QFleet would work out the "best place" for the vehicles, not commenting on whether they would be added to the ministerial fleet.

"But what we want to do is demonstrate to the Queensland community that these vehicles will be on the road like any other vehicle," he said.

"They'll be seamlessly introduced into the QFleet range of vehicles and people can also understand that hydrogen can be used safely."

The ministerial fleet currently includes Toyota Camry Hybrids, including in the offices of Health Minister Steven Miles and Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch, while Transport Minister Mark Bailey's office has a Chrysler 300C.

In December, the Queensland government announced it had added a Hyundai IONIQ EV to its fleet.

At the time, Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the car was the first of what would eventually be an entirely electric fleet of cars for Queensland government employees.

"We're on track to have at least 288 electric vehicles by 2022 - this puts us on track to become carbon neutral by 2050," he said.

"The Palaszczuk government will have completely phased out petrol vehicles by 2028."

QFleet has several hybrid electric vehicles, including a Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in.

Motor Trades Association of Queensland group chief executive Brett Dale said hydrogen cars could be refuelled in the same time it took to fill up a petrol car.

"The energy produced by hydrogen drives the electric motor," he said.

"This is an advantage over the time taken for an electric vehicle to charge."

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she trialled a hydrogen vehicle during a trip to Berlin, where she said there were many refuelling stations.

"I know that for this industry to take off, especially in relation to the vehicle industry, we need to have more hydrogen refuelling stations around the [Brisbane] city," she said.

"That's the key, that would be the next stage."

Ms Palaszczuk also announced the appointment of a strategic hydrogen adviser, QUT's Professor Ian Mackinnon, at the government's hydrogen forum at 1 William Street on Tuesday morning that was attended by more than 100 industry representatives.

[ozbob]

French trains to go green with order for hydrogen engineshttps://t.co/tIvjWnoMFz

— ozbob13 (@ozbob13) August 29, 2019

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1333525222784258048

[ozbob]

Government Media Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91092

Palaszczuk Government to pioneer hydrogen cars

3rd December 2020

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement
The Honourable Mick de Brenni

In a Queensland first, the Palaszczuk Government will trial five Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) powered by home-grown hydrogen.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said the three-year trial would help underpin the development of Queensland's domestic hydrogen industry.

"This trial will accelerate our journey towards establishing Queensland as a renewable energy superpower," Mr de Brenni said.

"By demonstrating that lower emission technology is cost-effective, the Palaszczuk Government will lead the way in cleaner transport solutions while delivering value for money to taxpayers.

"Transport systems around the world are undergoing a major phase of transformation with the rise of electric vehicles.

"We are taking an active role in preparing for these transformations as we move towards cleaner transport solutions."

Hyundai NEXOs can be refuelled in five minutes with hydrogen to be manufactured in Queensland by BOC Australia.

The new vehicles will join the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) already in the Government fleet.

"We've got a QFleet Electric Vehicle Strategy in place to boost the number of EVs in the Government fleet," Mr de Brenni said.

"Our commitment is to double the number of EVs in QFleet each year, a target we are on track to meet.

"I will continue to ensure the shift to electric models as vehicles fall due for replacement over the coming months and years in order to lead the development of the EV and hydrogen sectors.

"The Nexus scored top marks in crash safety tests and is a terrific looking vehicle too."

Negotiations are already underway with vehicle manufacturers to pave the way for early access to new models when released onto the Australian market.

ENDS

[ozbob]

Media Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93470

One of the world's largest hydrogen equipment manufacturing hubs set for Gladstone

10th October 2021

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement
The Honourable Mick de Brenni

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water
The Honourable Glenn Butcher

One of the world's largest hydrogen-equipment manufacturing facility is planned for Gladstone as part of a new partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and leading renewable energy and hydrogen company Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).

Jobs numbers are expected to exceed 300 over the life of the project. The partnership announced today is expected to create thousands of jobs in years to come.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said as a result of the partnership, Gladstone would become a world leading hub for the manufacture of electrolysers – vital to the production of renewable hydrogen.

"We're seeing growing interest globally in renewable hydrogen," the Premier said.

"We don't just want to export our resources – we want to develop a manufacturing industry capable of making the electrolysers in Queensland as well.

"Andrew Forrest and I both see Queensland's great potential as a renewables exporter and manufacturer of hydrogen equipment.

"This partnership will create local jobs, support our economic recovery and create an advanced manufacturing industry in Gladstone that doesn't exist anywhere else in the country."

In its initial stage, this $114 million investment from Fortescue Future Industries will create 120 construction jobs and 53 operational jobs.

Jobs numbers are expected to exceed 300 over the life of the project.

"We have a strategy to partner with the private sector to make Queensland a world leader in advanced manufacturing and hydrogen generation," the Premier said.

"This is a great boost to Queensland's growing credentials as an emerging superpower in renewable hydrogen."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the deal was a boost for Queensland's growing credentials as an emerging superpower in renewable hydrogen.

"We will create more jobs in Queensland by capturing industrial and manufacturing opportunities from the global decarbonisation momentum," Mr Miles said.

"The Palaszczuk Government and FFI are both demonstrating global leadership to develop renewable hydrogen.

"FFI will now progress plans to build a facility on land developed by the Queensland Government at Aldoga within the Gladstone State Development Area.

"FFI will construct a facility with an initial capacity to manufacture up to two gigawatts (GW) of electrolysers annually.

"Future plans are to expand both electrolyser manufacturing and other renewable energy components, which is expected to support other regional investment including in hydrogen production.

"This project will put Gladstone on the map as a world leader in the renewable-hydrogen supply chain."

Hydrogen electrolysers use power to split hydrogen from water. When produced using renewable power the hydrogen is emission free.

Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be used for energy storage, as a feedstock for industrial processes, to produce heat and for a wide range of transport applications.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said developing a renewable hydrogen industry was a vital next step in maintaining Queensland's dominance as a global energy superpower.

"Our economic recovery plan is all about creating more jobs and creating more opportunities for traditional and emerging industries, particularly in manufacturing," the Treasurer said.

"FFI could have built this facility anywhere in Australia.

"The fact they chose Queensland says volumes about our state's advanced plan to use our sun, wind and water to create new jobs and new businesses in regional Queensland.

"We are harnessing the momentum of the massive revolution that is underway in global energy production, and we are doing it for the benefit of all Queenslanders.

"I want to congratulate the Queensland Government officials who have put so much time and effort into securing this agreement with FFI.

"Whether it's FFI, Boeing or Rheinmetall, the Palaszczuk Government is focused on bringing new industries with secure, highly skilled jobs to Queensland, with targeted investments driving the next wave of economic growth."

FFI Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, said, "As GEM develops according to FFI's own requirements and other customer needs, manufacturing will come roaring back to regional Australia, creating many thousands of jobs.

"Fortescue is again ahead of the curve and we are immensely proud to be pioneering a Green Energy Manufacturing Centre in Gladstone.

"This initiative is a critical step in Fortescue's transition from a highly successful pure play iron ore producer to an even more successful green renewables and resources powerhouse."

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said manufacturing hydrogen and the equipment needed to produce it would mean Queensland would export its renewable energy as well as its technological know-how.

"The world is rapidly decarbonising and that presents new opportunities for more jobs here in Queensland," Mr de Brenni said

"Onshoring manufacture of hydrogen industry components means enduring benefits for Queenslanders all the way through the value chain, as part of the global industrial transformation.

"As well as exports, the products Queensland tradies will make will open up new industrial activity across the state, fuelling domestic industrial hubs and enabling the decarbonisation of sectors like heavy transport."

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the announcement cemented Gladstone's place as the Australian capital of the rapidly developing hydrogen industry.

"This is another huge vote of confidence in Gladstone's ability grow new industries and export the products to the world," Mr Butcher said.

"We've already seen it with the LNG industry and the growing renewable hydrogen industry will further enhance Gladstone's – and the region's – reputation."

The proposal is subject to land use planning and development approvals.

Queensland's other recent hydrogen industry initiatives include the formation of a consortium, which includes generator Stanwell and Japan's largest hydrogen supplier Iwatani, proposing to export $4.2 billion in renewable hydrogen from Gladstone, supporting 5000 jobs.

Sumitomo Corporation has also formalised its partnership with Gladstone Ports Corporation, Gladstone Regional Council, CQUniversity Australia and Australian Gas Infrastructure Group to develop Australia's first hydrogen ecosystem in Central Queensland.

In Townsville, the Queensland Government is working with Sun Metals on their immediate plans to use hydrogen in their refinery operations and trucking fleet and their ambitions to move zinc refinery operations to 100% renewable energy by 2040.

In addition to a diverse range of domestic projects that are progressing, hydrogen export facilities are also being investigated at a large number of Queensland's ports including the Port of Gladstone, Port of Townsville and Port of Hay Point, south of Mackay.

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/LanceMcCallumMP/status/1455772410540560390

[#Metro]

What is the advantage of hydrogen over electricity?
Electricity seems easier to handle and safer than carrying around a flammable gas.

[SurfRail]

In some remote areas, being able to charge 100 vehicles overnight is not necessarily possible given the state of the grid.  Emerald Coaches is headed in this direction for that reason.

[ozbob]

What is the advantage of hydrogen over electricity?
Electricity seems easier to handle and safer than carrying around a flammable gas.

https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/transport/cars/hydrogen-cars-explained.html

... When it comes to hydrogen-powered vehicles, many people think of the Hindenburg disaster (in which a hydrogen-filled German airship exploded in the United States in 1937, killing 36). But, in fact, they are as safe as conventional EVs and petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. An average petrol fuel tank holds up to four times the energy and explosive potential of a hydrogen fuel-cell tank. ...

[Gazza]

I think battery will be good for most situations but hydrogen will be good for certain heavy duty or remote applications where you need to have large tanks that you can fill up rather than a massive battery.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railjournal/status/1458459365833330709

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railjournal/status/1465734200779235335

[ozbob]

 https://twitter.com/railjournal/status/1468269368366837765

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/94086

Hydrogen-powered freight trains on the Aurizon for the renewable State
13th December 2021

JOINT STATEMENT

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement
The Honourable Mick de Brenni

Queensland's pursuit of the renewable energy opportunity continues at pace with the announcement by Aurizon and Anglo American that they will undertake a study into using hydrogen-powered trains for bulk freight.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the feasibility study will explore whether hydrogen fuel cell and battery hybrid power units could be used in heavy haul freight rail operations. 

"The Feasibility Study will focus on the potential deployment of Anglo American's hydrogen power technology on Aurizon's Moura rail corridor and also the Mount Isa Rail corridor," Mr Miles said.

"The Moura corridor operates between Anglo American's Dawson metallurgical coal mine and the Gladstone Port, and the Mount Isa rail corridor operates between the North West Minerals Province to Townsville Port, via Aurizon's Stuart Terminal.

"The announcement is more proof that Queensland is committed to capturing every section of the renewable energy value chain."

As part of its commitment to carbon neutral by 2040, Anglo American has taken a global lead in the development of green hydrogen solutions for its ultra-class 290 tonne payload mine haul trucking fleet.

Anglo American's unique combination of powertrain technologies, designed to operate safely and effectively in real-world mine conditions, will displace the use of the majority of diesel at its mining operations.

Mr Miles said Queensland is perfectly positioned to be the world's renewable energy superpower.

"This project is more proof of that future.  Where we use cheaper cleaner energy to power Queenslander's lives and to make the equipment the world needs as we move towards more decarbonisation," he said.

"Imagine new economy minerals which can be used to make batteries to store renewable energy, being moved from the North West Minerals Province to Townsville, on a train powered by hydrogen made from Queensland sunshine."

Minister for Energy Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the project showed yet again the way renewable energy and the burgeoning hydrogen industry meant more jobs in more industries for more Queenslanders.

"Projects like this are important because they enable domestic demand and create an ecosystem for green hydrogen," Mr de Brenni said.

"Transport accounts for 14 per cent of emissions, and is the fastest growing sector for emissions.

"However, we recognise that transport can lead the emissions reduction push if we move quickly with initiatives like this one.

"The Palaszczuk Government welcomes today's announcement as it is making sure Queenslanders and local businesses are at the front of the queue building the skills needed for the hydrogen industry and the thousands of jobs it will create."

Tony O'Neill, Technical Director of Anglo American, said the agreement with Aurizon marks the first time their hydrogen power technology could be tested beyond the existing mine haul truck program.

"Displacing our use of diesel is critical to eliminating emissions at our sites and along our value chain. We believe that our innovative hydrogen-led technology provides a versatile solution, whether for trucks or trains or other forms of heavy duty transport," he said.

Aurizon is Australia's largest rail freight company, with the decarbonisation of its supply chains at the centre of its target to reach net zero operational emissions by 2050. Aurizon has also commenced research & development for battery-powered trains with a number of industry parties and Australian universities.

"Hydrogen offers enormous opportunity in decarbonising and continuing to improve the competitiveness of Australia's export supply chains," Aurizon's Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding said.

"This is especially true for bulk products underpinning the Australian economy including minerals, agricultural products and fertilisers, industrials and general freight."

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railjournal/status/1554126995180724229

[ozbob]

Hydrogen Powered Trains Feasibility Study

https://research.csiro.au/hyresource/hydrogen-powered-trains-feasibility-study/

Project description

Aurizon and Anglo American have announced an agreement to conduct a feasibility study that will explore the application of Anglo American's proprietary hydrogen fuel cell and battery hybrid power units in heavy haul freight rail operations.

If the feasibility study is successful, the agreement could be extended to further phases of collaboration, potentially including detailed engineering and development of a hydrogen- fuelled heavy haul locomotive prototype.

The feasibility study will focus on the potential deployment of Anglo American's hydrogen power technology on two Aurizon rail corridors in Queensland:

the 180-kilometre long Moura rail corridor that operates between Anglo American's Dawson metallurgical coal mine and Gladstone Port, and the 977-kilometre long Mount Isa rail corridor that operates between the North West Minerals Province to Townsville Port, via Aurizon's Stuart Terminal. Both corridors presently use diesel fuelled locomotives.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railjournal/status/1674804722908184581

[ozbob]

This bus can do a 16 hour shift, covering 515km across the Central Coast on just 32kg of hydrogen. Designed and built...

Posted by Jo Haylen on Saturday, 28 October 2023