New Zealand– Today marks a significant advancement in New Zealand’s green transportation efforts with the official opening of the Hiringa Refueling New Zealand (HRNZ) network. The inaugural event, held at the Waitomo Wiri station, was graced by the presence of Simeon Brown, Minister for Energy and Transport, alongside influential partners and stakeholders including the Waitomo Group and TR Group.
Hiringa Energy, in partnership with local and international stakeholders, has successfully launched what is considered the first zero-emission green hydrogen refueling network in Australasia. This pioneering initiative aims to tackle one of the most challenging sectors—heavy transport—which accounts for 25% of New Zealand’s transport emissions despite only making up 4% of the vehicle fleet.
The HRNZ network begins operations with three strategically located stations in Wiri (South Auckland), Te Rapa (Hamilton), and Palmerston North. Plans for a fourth station in Tauranga are well underway, which will integrate seamlessly into the new Tauriko SH29 roading infrastructure. This network covers 95% of the heavy freight routes across the North Island, including the critical “Golden Triangle” of freight movement between Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
Andrew Clennett, CEO of Hiringa, emphasized the network’s role in the decarbonisation of heavy transport, both locally and globally. “As a first-of-its-kind across Australasia and one of the first globally to service heavy transport, our network provides the necessary infrastructure for operators to switch to zero-emission transport efficiently and viably,” said Clennett.
The HRNZ network, powered by clean, renewable energy, features state-of-the-art technology allowing vehicles such as trucks and buses to refuel with green hydrogen in just 10 to 20 minutes. This development not only supports New Zealand’s environmental goals but also propels the country towards becoming a leader in sustainable transport.
Significant financial backing has been provided by the New Zealand Government, which extended a $16 million loan. Additional growth capital was secured from prominent investors like Sir Stephen Tindall’s K1W1 fund, Mitsui & Co Ltd, and Green Impact Partners. Simon Parham, CEO of Waitomo Group, highlighted the strategic partnership with Hiringa, stating, “Partnering with Hiringa allows us to deliver on our vision for future generations by collocating Hiringa refuelling sites on our forecourts, which are regularly used by heavy transport operators.”
Brendan King, General Manager at TR Group, also commented on the groundbreaking nature of the initiative. “It has been exciting to enable this initiative by bringing fuel cell truck technology to the New Zealand market. This technology offers a clean alternative for sectors that are traditionally difficult to electrify,” King stated.
The network already supports Hyundai Xcient fuel cell trucks, which have been operational since 2023, covering over 70,000km and saving approximately 29,700 liters of diesel. This translates to a reduction of 80 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while simultaneously purifying the air around the vehicles.
David Walsh, CEO of NZ Post, expressed enthusiasm about the operational enhancements the network will bring. “With rapid refuelling now available, this will allow us to operate the hydrogen truck seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with zero emissions,” Walsh said.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri.
“I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand Limited, and Green Impact Partners for reaching this important milestone,” Mr Brown says.
“Hydrogen can play an important role in decarbonising a number of industries and sectors, such as fertiliser and methanol production, and potentially steel production.
“Hydrogen could also have great potential for decarbonising heavy road transport. Road transport carries over 90% of our domestic goods by weight and is a crucial sector for our economy and exports.
“Our Government plans to double the supply of renewable energy which will play an important role in supporting the development of the hydrogen sector.
“As a country with one of the most highly renewable electricity systems in the world already, and significant potential to generate new renewable electricity, we have a clear opportunity for green hydrogen production,” Mr Brown says.
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