In a major move towards sustainable transportation, New Zealand-based Fabrum has partnered with Sumitomo Australia to expand access to liquid hydrogen technology in the heavy transport and aviation sectors.
The strategic collaboration, announced on February 19, 2025, aims to accelerate the adoption of liquid hydrogen through flexible financing options for Fabrum’s hydrogen liquefiers.
Fabrum will offer its containerised portable liquefiers through Sumitomo Australia’s financing solutions.
These systems, capable of producing 35 kg, 75 kg, or 400 kg of liquid hydrogen daily, are designed for maximum flexibility and mobility, housed in standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
Christopher Boyle, Fabrum’s Co-Founder and Executive Chair, emphasised the partnership’s potential to establish a hydrogen ecosystem within heavy transport and aviation.
He highlighted the growing demand for portable systems that can be easily deployed at airfields or truck stops, addressing the shift towards liquid hydrogen as a fuel for aircraft and trucks.
Fabrum’s track record includes commissioning Australia’s largest liquid hydrogen production facility for Fortescue and an upcoming project in Germany.
The collaboration with Sumitomo aims to reduce adoption barriers by offering financial solutions, enabling industries to advance towards a hydrogen-powered future without significant upfront capital costs.
A Sumitomo spokesperson stated that the partnership aligns with their commitment to sustainable business activities and climate change mitigation.
The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of a hydrogen-based society and support Sumitomo’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.
This partnership highlights the growing synergy between New Zealand and Japan in zero-emissions technology.
Fabrum has already established collaborations with major Japanese companies, including Obayashi Corporation and Toyota, on hydrogen projects.
The recent enactment of Japan’s Hydrogen Society Promotion Act is anticipated to further accelerate industry-wide adoption and interest in Fabrum’s technology.
As the demand for clean energy solutions in transportation continues to rise, this collaboration between Fabrum and Sumitomo represents a significant step towards making liquid hydrogen technology more accessible and financially viable for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
