Hydrogen project developer Countrywide Hydrogen has signed a Collaboration Agreement with transport provider 7R Logistics and digital freight provider Ofload, as it pursues plans to roll out a hydrogen production and refuelling network across Australia.
Countrywide is currently undertaking four renewable hydrogen projects in Tasmania and two in Victoria, which will form part of its broader HyWay hydrogen refuelling network, but the latest partnership aims to take the scheme nationwide.
The collaboration leverages Ofload’s advanced technology platform to connect shippers with freight carriers, while 7R Logistics will provide a hydrogen-powered, zero-emission transport solution.
Countrywide then plans to supply green hydrogen fuel along key transport routes, establishing a sustainable supply chain model replicable nationwide with transport carriers looking to utilise the green fuel source.
The partnership will focus on high-demand road freight routes, specifically Adelaide to Melbourne and around Tasmania, ensuring that hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure is strategically located to support the operation of hydrogen-powered trucks.
Countrywide Hydrogen says the Collaboration Agreement comes at a critical juncture, following the Senate’s passage of the climate-related financial disclosures Bill last month.
This new legislation will require companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Australia’s push towards a net-zero future. By joining forces, Countrywide Hydrogen, Ofload, and 7R Logistics aim to support Australia’s transition to a more sustainable national supply chain – sooner rather than later.
The executed Agreement is a non-binding strategic framework for the parties to work collaboratively and is intended to be converted into definitive arrangements as Countrywide Hydrogen projects progress.
“This agreement marks a significant step towards achieving the emissions reduction targets set by corporate Australia and government bodies,” said Countrywide Hydrogen Managing Director, Geoff Drucker.
“By bringing together the freight, road transport, and fuel supply sectors, we’re creating a scalable, zero-emission supply chain ecosystem primed to grow as more customers commit to sustainable transport solutions.”
Last month Countrywide announced a partnership with the Tasmanian Transport Association (TTA) to facilitate the uptake of hydrogen by ensuring it is priced competitively against traditional diesel fuel.
“Thanks to the support from the Tasmanian Government, hydrogen is set to be cheaper than diesel and plans are well underway for a network of hydrogen production and refuelling hubs in Tasmania to realise the transition from diesel to zero-emission hydrogen,” Mr Drucker said at the time of the announcement.
Countrywide is also collaborating with the Walkinshaw Automotive Group to deliver hydrogen fuel cell trucks to the Australian market and is gearing up to announce an incoming partnership with a global asset financier to provide tailored financing solutions to overcome the higher upfront costs compared to diesel trucks.
