| 25 Kim Newth Clean energy way forward Focussed on the heavy transport sector, the network’s first four zero emission green hydrogen stations – in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Auckland and Tauranga – will be operational this year. Taranaki: Hiringa Energy REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT In Taranaki, next generation energy company Hiringa is helping redefine the future of green energy infrastructure and transport fuels through the adoption of green hydrogen. Focussed on the heavy transport sector, the network’s first four zero emission green hydrogen stations – in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Auckland and Tauranga – will be operational this year. The next phase of stations is in an advanced stage of development and includes both South Island and additional North Island stations to provide nationwide coverage. Hiringa is a Māori word meaning perseverance, energy, determination, inspiration and vitality. It captures the people, values and mahi of Hiringa Energy, a full-service green hydrogen provider. “We see zero emission hydrogen as central to enabling sustainable, thriving communities,” says Andrew Clennett, CEO and Co-founder of Hiringa Energy. “To support our vision, we are making green hydrogen, working with fuel cell and equipment manufacturers to refine hydrogen cell technology, as well as constructing a nationwide refuelling network to distribute it.” South Taranaki is at the heart of Hiringa’s green hydrogen plans. However, siteworks at Kapuni for an innovative, wind-powered green hydrogen and ammonia project have been delayed by court challenges. Hiringa Energy wants to build four new wind turbines to generate and supply renewable electricity to Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Kapuni site and to the grid, with the ability to generate enough renewable electricity for up to 24,000 homes during peak times. Ultimately, the electricity will be used to make green hydrogen by electrolysis. Green hydrogen will be used both to replace imported diesel used for heavy transport and also at the Ballance plant. As well as this exciting project unlocking a transport market for green hydrogen in Aotearoa, it will help decarbonise Ballance’s local production of urea – and, in the process, firmly put Taranaki on the map as a region that’s embracing investment in forward-thinking green projects. The new plant is a shot in the arm for local employment and innovation. “We’ll be creating jobs in Taranaki during the construction phase and will be employing a skilled local team to operate the plant. We’re for using local contractors wherever possible. By greening the region’s power and integrating that with hydrogen production, we’re committed to developing skills in renewable and zero emission technologies that will be essential for New Zealand as it moves to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.” Traditionally, Taranaki has had a heavy reliance on dairy, oil and gas, but that’s changing with the advent of sustainable green hydrogen production – a clean fuel that is poised to create additional regional spin-offs. “We see good opportunities for others to use the local green hydrogen supply being created here, such as for gas networks or on-farm applications, plus the plant will also provide a supply of oxygen that could be put to use in the aquaculture sector.” A joint development agreement on the Kapuni project was signed in 2019, followed by engagement with the community, iwi, mana whenua hapū and landowners. Investment support from the Government was secured in late 2019, with project consent granted in December 2021. A High Court challenge by some iwi and Greenpeace was rejected on all counts last year, but Greenpeace has decided to take a case to the Court of Appeal based on the hydrogen being used to produce urea and there being no guarantee that it would be used for heavy transport within a five-year time frame. Mr Clennett says the appeal is creating an unnecessary barrier to decarbonisation. The consent covers renewable energy, not urea production, and supports Hiringa Energy’s focus on decarbonising heavy transport. However, until there is sufficient demand from the transport sector and the refuelling network is in place, the JV with Ballance makes the investment in the turbines economically feasible. www.btw.nz info@btw.nz New Plymouth – Ngāmotu Hamilton – Kirikiriroa +64 6 759 5040 +64 7 595 0020
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