National science agency CSIRO has teamed up with GHD Advisory to release a new report urging for Australia to invest in hydrogen-powered transport, alongside electronic vehicles (EVs), for a net zero carbon emissions future.

The Hydrogen vehicle refuelling infrastructure — priorities and opportunities for Australia report, aimed at regulators and industry stakeholders, details the benefits and challenges for hydrogen-powered refuelling station deployment across the country.

Battery-powered EVs are now leading the way in decarbonising road transport, but hydrogen vehicles have numerous potential to provide environmentally friendly transportation for long-haul flights and freight shipments.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles have a number of advantages over EVs, including quicker refuelling periods, lack of heavy batteries and seamless deployment of refuelling stations.

CSIRO Chief Scientist Professor Bronwyn Fox states that Australia needs to urgently decarbonise the nation’s transport sector which accounts for 18.6 per cent of its greenhouse gas emissions.

Australia might not meet its net zero commissions for this reason as heavy vehicles are a key contributor to the country’s greenhouse emissions.

“While we know hydrogen will play a critical role, we also know that much of the key infrastructure for storing, moving and distributing hydrogen for use as a transport fuel — including pipelines, storage tanks and refuelling stations — is yet to be built,” said Professor Fox.

Professor Fox said the report was important as it identified priorities for action, the benefits of targeted research and innovation, as well as compared the different hydrogen storage and dispensing options available.

The report showcases the need for centralised offsite production and distribution of hydrogen in order to refuel vehicles on a larger scale.

Lead author of the report — GHD Advisory Executive Advisor Shawn Wolfe — said Australia only has five operational refuelling stations, with 20 under construction or still in the planning phase.

“The pace of the transition to hydrogen-powered transport is moving a lot faster internationally than in Australia. Companies like Daimier and Ampol are not hedging their bets — it’s a hydrogen and electric transport future. We need to get into lockstep or risk being left behind,” said Wolfe.