Diesel Replacement

Hydrogen can be used as fuel to power Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) including cars, buses, trucks, and trains. Refuelling hydrogen cars, buses and trucks requires a network of refuelling stations, similar to the existing petrol station network.

FCEVs are more efficient than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and produce no harmful tailpipe emissions. The advantages of hydrogen powered vehicles compared to battery electric vehicles include faster refuelling times and the ability to travel longer distances carrying larger loads before refuelling.

This is perhaps most beneficial in long-haul road transportation, which is hugely important to WA’s economy, where the combination of battery weight, extended recharging times and limited range are impediments for purely electric solutions. On each of these factors, FCEVs offer an attractive alternative.

When energy contained in fuel and engine efficiencies are accounted for, hydrogen in a FCEV drive is approximately equivalent to 4 – 6 times diesel on a $/kg basis. This implies that a $8-12/kg hydrogen price is equivalent to a $2/kg diesel price (in line with recent prices), as measured by equivalent output in a diesel car or a FCEV. Additional premium for zero emissions is likely to accrue to hydrogen used in transport.

Refuelling station technology and FCEV technology is maturing, with stations and fleets being rolled out globally.

Frontier continues working towards establishing a green hydrogen refuelling station in central Perth which will contribute towards facilitating the uptake of hydrogen in WA. It is expected to be the first publicly available green hydrogen refuelling station in the State.