Heavy duty vehicle hydrogen retrofit study
Challenge
Given Australia’s dependence on its agriculture, mining and freight industries – as well as the vast distances between communities and a dispersed population - heavy vehicles that support these sectors require affordable decarbonisation pathways to enable Australia to meet national net zero targets.
Already a leading player in the emerging sustainable hydrogen industry, South Australia faced two questions: how this hydrogen industry can be nurtured towards making significant decarbonisation progress? And how it could be leveraged to support long-term, skilled ‘green’ jobs in the region.
Approach
Ricardo has been chosen by South Australian Hydrogen Hubs Inc (SA-H2H™) to undertake a feasibility study into hydrogen technology retrofitting as a decarbonisation pathway for heavy duty vehicles in South Australia.
The feasibility study will utilise Ricardo’s proven expertise in innovating and safely implementing hydrogen technology in light vehicles, heavy vehicles, trains, planes and ships, combined with capability in local delivery.
The study will also assess the opportunities that this growing sector might unlock for providing regional jobs and skills.
Results
Nicholas Mumford, founder of (SA-H2H™) 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-H2H™ is about.”
Chris Hewitson, Director, Ricardo Australia and New Zealand said: “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 across the UK, Europe and the US - with a real need for long-term hydrogen use and industry jobs in South Australia. Our Manager of Sustainable Transport activities in the region, Jorge Martin Gistau, will lead this nationally-important study though our office in Adelaide, South Australia, bringing world-class hydrogen mobility expertise into Australia”.