The global engineering consultancy company
Ricardo has been chosen by
South Australian Hydrogen Hubs Inc (SA-H2H) to undertake a feasibility study into retrofitting hydrogen technology as a decarbonisation pathway for heavy duty vehicles in South Australia, which is currently a leading player in the emerging sustainable hydrogen industry.
Indeed, the South Australian government is funding one of the largest green hydrogen electrolysers in the world and establishing a precinct at Whyalla, located close to some of the state’s prime solar and wind assets, for industrial-scale green hydrogen production. However, two distinct challenges must be faced, namely: how this hydrogen industry can be nurtured towards making significant decarbonisation progress; and how to support long-term skilled ‘green’ jobs in the region.
SA-H2H is delivering two projects to address these challenges. The first, centred around hydrogen mobile refuelling; the second is a hydrogen retrofitting programme for heavy vehicles.
Nicholas Mumford, SA-H2H’s founder, said: “We are excited with the commencement of this retrofitting project and the opportunities that it might unlock in decarbonising our mobility sector and potential for providing regional jobs and skills in the hydrogen industry. It is great to have such an experienced player as Ricardo, an SA-H2H member, leading the project and a great example of industry collaboration that evolves from the hydrogen eco-system that is the essence of what SA-H2 is about.”
Chris Hewitson, a director of Ricardo Australia and New Zealand, added: “Ricardo is excited to be working with SA-H2H, its members, and the South Australia government to provide a pathway for large-scale hydrogen retrofitting in South Australia. It is a privilege to connect the significant skill base at Ricardo — and its decades of decarbonisation experience throughout the UK, Europe and the USA — with a real need for long-term hydrogen use and industry jobs in South Australia.”
Ricardo said the feasibility study will leverage its proven global expertise in innovating and safely implementing hydrogen technology in light vehicles, heavy vehicles, trains, planes and ships, combined with capability in local delivery.