Four prominent New Zealand entities have embarked on a pioneering trial employing hydrogen as a clean energy source in the aviation sector. Air New Zealand, Wellington Airport, Toyota New Zealand, and Hiringa Energy have forged a collaborative effort to assess the viability of hydrogen-powered technology for aviation purposes, marking a historic milestone in the country’s quest for low-emission air travel.
Over the next few days, Wellington Airport will serve as the testing ground for the trial, wherein Air New Zealand’s electric tugs and service vehicles will be powered by hydrogen. The initiative aims to explore the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to aviation fuel.
Jacob Snelgrove, Senior Sustainability Manager at Air New Zealand, expressed the airline’s ambition to lead the way in deploying green hydrogen-powered aircraft commercially within the nation. The trial represents a crucial step towards integrating environmentally friendly technologies into the aviation industry.
Toyota New Zealand plays a pivotal role in the trial by providing a hydrogen fuel cell for the project. This cutting-edge fuel cell technology harnesses hydrogen to generate electricity, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Neeraj Lala, Chief Executive of Toyota New Zealand, emphasized the strategic alignment of the hydrogen fuel cell generator introduction at Wellington Airport with the company’s broader goals.
Hiringa Energy, a New Zealand-based clean energy company, is coordinating the supply of hydrogen for the trial. Their involvement underlines the importance of collaboration between various sectors to drive progress in sustainable energy solutions.
The trial is scheduled to run until 15 March 2024, and its outcomes could potentially revolutionize the aviation industry in New Zealand, offering a glimpse into a future where hydrogen plays a pivotal role in achieving lower emissions and greener air travel. This initiative marks a significant stride toward realizing a more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation landscape in Aotearoa.