Toyota NZ increases commitment to hydrogen technology
Toyota NZ will be using hydrogen fuel cell generators made in Australia. Photos: Toyota NZ
Toyota New Zealand is further advancing its activity in the hydrogen ecosystem by signing an exclusive distribution rights agreement for stationary hydrogen fuel cell generators that are assembled in Australia.
Toyota Australia has partnered with French sustainable energy solutions provider EODev (Energy Observer Developments), to assemble the EODev GEH2 generator at its former manufacturing facility at Altona, Melbourne from the first quarter of 2024.
To further expand opportunities, Toyota Australia will also sell the generators and Toyota New Zealand will be their first customer.
Toyota New Zealand Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Neeraj Lala said the agreement with Toyota Australia to assemble and supply GEH2 generators is a game changer for the local market.
Toyota is already trialling the hydrogen-powered Mirai.
“Our strategy is to support New Zealand to establish a hydrogen economy beyond light transport. We are energised to expand our business operations through technology innovations such as the GEH2 generator, especially as they will become more accessible via the Australian assembly facility,” said Lala.
“The hydrogen generators are a sustainable, clean alternative to the current options. Sectors like the construction sector, just like cars, are also transitioning to low emissions. Utilising the same hydrogen technology that is in a Mirai, we are able to provide them with a viable zero-emission option which is a positive contribution towards the future of New Zealand,” he said.
The first model to be assembled will be the 110kVA GEH2 generator, which uses the same Toyota Fuel Cell system that powers the Toyota Mirai FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) and provides zero CO2 emission power generation suitable for a variety of applications.
Toyota demonstrated the potential for the EODev GEH2 hydrogen fuel cell generator this year when it was used to power both its Fieldays site, and also the Horonuku customer activation in the Auckland Viaduct.
