Pacific Energy acquires Australia’s first public hydrogen refuelling station in Canberra

Located in Fyshwick in the south of the nation’s capital, the facility was the very first publicly available hydrogen refuelling station in Australia when it officially launched in 2021.

This acquisition marks Pacific Energy’s first investment in hydrogen infrastructure and complements its portfolio of owned and operated energy assets. As a leading provider of hydrogen solutions, the investment also underpins its strategy to develop the mobility ecosystem through the provision of reliable, safe and innovative hydrogen refuelling stations.

Originally designed and constructed by specialist Pacific Energy subsidiary, ENGV, the facility demonstrates the in-house capabilities and embedded culture of innovation while showcasing the capabilities of its equipment partners, NEL (electrolysers) and PDC Machines and IVYS Energy Solutions (hydrogen refuelling stations).

Since operations commenced, the station has kick-started Canberra’s hydrogen mobility journey, serving a growing fleet of hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The ACT Government, the largest FCEV fleet operator, will continue to access and utilise the station through an extended fleet lease provided by Hyundai.

ActewAGL will also continue to be a customer of the facility, as well as other local organisations such as Woodside Energy and the Korean Embassy. FCEVs have been provided by Hyundai and Toyota, the manufacturers of the NEXO and the Mirai respectively.

Pacific Energy will continue to make available the station for refuelling of cars as part of its commitment to grow the ACT green hydrogen ecosystem.

Jamie Cullen, Pacific Energy’s CEO, said he was delighted to announce the addition of the Canberra station to its portfolio as the company pursues it build-own-operate model across multiple fuel technologies.

“With our already established reputation and track record of delivering broad-based hydrogen solutions, the acquisition of the Canberra Hydrogen Refuelling Facility perfectly aligns with our goal to be a leading provider of the infrastructure the sector is seeking to scale,” he said.

“Combined with our commitment to support the ACT government to decarbonise its transport sector, we look forward to supporting local organisations refuel their vehicles while considering new opportunities to grow the Territory’s FCEV fleet options.”

Backed by the ACT government’s goal to achieve 80-90% of new light vehicle sales being zero emissions vehicles in 2030, new hydrogen refuelling investments in the Territory is also a strategic focus for Pacific Energy and its collaborators to support this target.

In late 2023, the company entered an MOU with Hyundai, Toyota and Ampol to jointly develop hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the ACT, combining their respective expertise and capabilities to construct stations for FCEVs.

The ACT government has been a continued supporter of these efforts, being an early adopter of hydrogen mobility in recognition of its role in creating a clean energy future for the Territory.

Fiona Wright, ACT Deputy Director General, Environment, Water and Emissions Reduction, notes the role hydrogen plays in the transport landscape.

“As part of our commitment to reach net zero by 2045, decarbonising the ACT transport sector is a key focus. Hydrogen will continue to have a role to play in this, with the Canberra Hydrogen Refuelling Station providing the essential infrastructure to meet future demand for this fuel type,” she said.

“The ACT government looks forward to continuing to be an active user of the station.”

The handover of the facility from ActewAGL to Pacific Energy occurred at the beginning of April, after which Pacific Energy will own and operate the station.