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POAL receives EECA funding

Ports of Auckland has been approved for partial funding for the purchase of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund. 
Posted on 22 January, 2019
POAL receives EECA funding

Ports of Auckland (POAL), along with Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and KiwiRail, has been approved for partial funding for the purchase of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund. 

The fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), will be providing 14 per cent of the estimated cost of a hydrogen fuel cell bus and three hydrogen fuel cell cars. 

As announced last year, this is part of POAL’s commitment to building a hydrogen fuel production plant and a refuelling facility at its Waitemata port - a first for Auckland.

Ports of Auckland’s Hydrogen Project Manager Rosie Mercer said the part-funding was welcome news. 

"Collaboration is key to the success of a project like this, which is breaking new ground in an effort to stem climate change. That is why we’re working with Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and Arup. Having Government support as well is a real boost."

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a type of electric vehicle (EV) but are powered by hydrogen fuel cells rather than batteries. In the fuel cell hydrogen is combined with oxygen to produce electricity. Fuel cell vehicles are zero emission.

Auckland Transport Bus Services Manager, Darek Koper, said AT is very excited about the possibilities of hydrogen power for the city’s buses. "This ties into our Low Emission Bus Roadmap and commitment to clean technology. It could be part of the answer, along with electricity, for our buses and is also a possible energy source for harbour ferries."