Australian clean energy company, Pure Hydrogen, has signed an agreement with the City of Newcastle for the supply of a rear-loading hydrogen fuel cell waste collection truck.
The truck will be assembled by Pure Hydrogen subsidiary, Hdrive International, before being fitted out by Bucher Municipal for refuse duties – then it’s onto bin duties around Newcastle later this year.
“Pure Hydrogen is at the forefront of the emerging hydrogen economy and this partnership further demonstrates our growing presence in the waste management sector in Australia,” Pure Hydrogen Managing Director, Scott Brown said.
The City of Newcastle will undertake a 12-month trial of the fuel cell truck as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions from its vehicles and equipment, with the option for a four-year extension based on the outcome.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the trial aligns with a key priority under City of Newcastle’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,” Cr Nelmes said.
“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% 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 further positions Newcastle as an emerging future hydrogen leader.
“Newcastle is the only hydrogen hub designated by both the NSW and Australian governments,” Cr Clausen said.
“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 truck will run on Green Hydrogen, the City of Newcastle has confirmed, aligning with its broader net-zero emissions and fleet transition plans.
Data from the 12-month trial will inform the City of Newcastle’s future purchases of waste trucks, with the local government area expected to replace a significant number of its existing diesel powered green and red lid bin trucks over the coming years.
Pure Hydrogen also has garbage trucks deployed at Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Mornington Peninsula and Adelaide.
