The City of Newcastle has announced it is backing a zero-emissions future with a new 12-month trial of a hydrogen-powered truck in its waste collection fleet.
The trial will involve a rear-loading hydrogen fuel-cell electric truck with Australian clean energy business Pure Hydrogen as part of the council’s commitment to achieving net zero-emissions with its vehicles and equipment.
The 12-month lease involves an option for a four-year extension, with the zero-emissions waste collection truck expected to debut in Newcastle later this year.
Data from the 12-month trial will help inform City of Newcastle’s future purchases of waste trucks. Over the coming four years City of Newcastle is expected to replace a significant number of its existing diesel powered green and red lid bin trucks as part of the routine renewal of the fleet.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the trial aligns with a key priority under the city’s environment strategy.
“We’re seeing zero-emissions vehicles emerge as a marker of the best-run cities in the world and this trial is a step forward that Newcastle can and should be proud of,” Nelmes says.
“This truck will help many of us get a better sleep on collection days. We can also rest easy knowing it’s helping make our city a cleaner, quieter, more sustainable place to live.
“We’re committed to delivering a 100 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from City of Newcastle vehicles during the next decade and we’ll continue driving toward this goal by trialling new technologies that contribute to this transition.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says the trial is consistent with Newcastle’s emerging future as a global hydrogen leader.
“Newcastle is the only hydrogen hub designated by both the NSW and Australian governments,” Clausen says.
“I’m proud that Newcastle is taking real action with this hydrogen vehicle trial and I’m proud that our work is shaping the Hunter’s hydrogen transition road map.”
The trial will see Newcastle join cities such as Tokyo and Amsterdam in adding a hydrogen vehicle to its waste collection fleet that will run on green hydrogen.
The energy to run the truck will be produced by electrolysis using grid power, with green power purchase agreements offsetting any carbon emissions.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes has also welcomed the City of Newcastle’s support of green hydrogen technology.
“This isn’t just ticking a sustainability box, this is the way the smartest cities are heading and Newcastle and the Hunter needs leadership prepared to be early adopters for communities and industry to be competitive and relevant,” Hawes says.
“City of Newcastle is backing an Australian business and backing a crucial, zero-emissions technology pathway to net zero is going to be very challenging.
“Every initiative adopted in using new technology in the public and private sector is going to count.”