As the world looks for alternatives to its finite amount of fossil fuels, ATCO and Fortescue are aiming to set the scene as they collaborate in exploring the potential of hydrogen fuel in Western Australia.
ATCO and Fortescue Metals Group have announced a partnership to explore the prospect of hydrogen vehicle fuel infrastructure in Western Australia.
The two companies signed an agreement to join forces in constructing and operating a combined hydrogen production and refuelling station at ATCO’s Jandakot facility in Perth.
ATCO, Fortescue and agreed third parties will be given the ability to refuel hydrogen vehicles at the Jandakot facility with the possibility for wider hydrogen deployment on the horizon.
Toyota Motor Corporation Australia will provide a fleet of Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicles for the companies.
It is hoped that the project will demonstrate the power of hydrogen as a fuel source in Western Australia to forward the shift to zero-emission transport, according to ATCO’s Australian managing director Pat Creaghan.
“ATCO’s Clean Energy Innovation Hub (Hub) has been generating and testing the use of renewable hydrogen for more than six months in gas blending and power applications,” he said.
“The Hub provides a fantastic base from which to partner with Fortescue to contribute to Western Australia’s burgeoning renewable hydrogen industry.
“We look forward to working with Fortescue to capitalise on Western Australia’s natural advantages for the benefit of the environment, the economy and the community.”
ATCO previously was the first company to generate hydrogen through electrolysis, which was only powered by solar.
As one of the country’s mining giants, Fortescue remains committed to putting Australia at the forefront of the hydrogen industry, according to Fortescue chief executive officer Elizabeth Gaines.
“As the world moves towards a lower carbon future, hydrogen has the potential to play a key role in the future energy mix and we want to ensure we remain at the forefront of Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry,” she said.
“Identifying and establishing partnerships is critical to unlocking the future potential of hydrogen and we look forward to working with ATCO to capitalise on the economic opportunities associated with hydrogen and support the development of a competitive hydrogen industry.”
ATCO and Fortescue are hoping to receive funding from the WA Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Fund to support hydrogen infrastructure development.