38 | INFRASTRUCTURE H2X - New Plymouth T T Karen Phelps Offering innovative hydrogen solutions Taranaki based company H2X is positioning itself at the forefront of New Zealand’s transition to clean energy, offering businesses a pathway to de-carbonise their operations through innovative hydrogen solutions. H2X was established in 2019 as a diversification venture from industrial services company TIS and company director and general manager Tom Wiseman says it’s goal is to help organisations reduce their carbon footprint and providing them with energy security in an increasingly volatile market. “Many people are still not aware of the potential of hydrogen and so a big part of what we do is educating and helping businesses to realise that potential,” he says. The company’s approach centres on providing complete hydrogen solutions from generation and compression to storage with particular focus on remote applications where traditional fuel supply chains prove costly and environmentally damaging. Tom says the heavy transport industry and those seeking Original H2X founders, Maxine & Angus Wood and Tom Wiseman. 06 755 0999 or 027 327 7706 adam@sparkmetal.co.nz www.sparkmetal.co.nz 6 Hudson Road, Bell Block Providing quality workmanship in: • Custom staircases • Seismic strengthening • Custom metal work / sheet metal • Structural steel fabrication and installation Proudly supporting H2X - New Plymouth. diesel generator replacement have been early adopters of hydrogen with one current project exemplifying the H2X approach. “We are providing on-site hydrogen generation, compression and storage for remote communication stations that previously required expensive fuel transportation,” say Tom. “Once they have invested in the infrastructure they are basically locking in their energy prices forever by generating their own hydrogen on-site then converting it to electricity.” For businesses unable to make immediate transitions, H2X has conducted gas blending trials, adding hydrogen to existing gas supplies as an interim solution. The company’s expertise stems from its parent organisation TIS, which has operated in Taranaki since 2006, providing industrial electrical installations, system commissioning and calibration services. This background in highly regulated hydrocarbon industries provides crucial safety and quality credentials for hydrogen operations, says Tom who has a background in hazardous area electrical installations and instrumentation. H2X has partnered with international electrolyser manufacturer Enapter to provide flexible and scalable hydrogen generation using Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity, making it ideally suited to New Zealand’s abundant clean energy resources, says Tom. For renewable energy developers, H2X offers Power-to-X solutions that convert surplus solar or wind power into green hydrogen, providing additional revenue streams whilst supporting grid stability. “It’s considered a flexibility measure as the hydrogen can be used as a buffer to increase grid resilience,” explains Tom. He considers that hydrogen technology offers multiple applications, from on-site generation for fuel cells and blended appliances to energy security supply and hydrogen storage. The company also provides delivery services through portable cylinders and mobile storage solutions for off-grid customers. “Hydrogen is a great challenge that I believe has the potential to solve the energy side of this issue,” says Tom, referring to climate change concerns driving the transition to clean energy. He says the broader hydrogen economy aligns with New Zealand’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050. The Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan identifies four priority areas, including creating enabling regulatory environments and reducing consenting barriers for hydrogen projects. Tom says the environmental benefits are substantial and transition to alternative energy solutions is essential as New Zealand’s natural gas supplies dwindle. “When used as fuel, hydrogen produces only water vapour and heat, making it one of the cleanest available energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels, it can be transported and stored without bulky infrastructure whilst supporting electricity grid demand control during peak periods.” H2X’s mission extends beyond commercial success: “Our goal is that everyone will have access to affordable, renewable and clean energy with the aim of de-carbonising the economy while keeping energy costs low for consumers and creating new jobs in renewable energy.”
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