Waste management services company Remondis Australia is to put a hydrogen-powered waste collection truck from New York based Hyzon into operation in New South Wales.
The hydrogen-powered truck is being provided by New York based company Hyzon Motors, and boasts a range of 200kms and the ability to complete 1,500 bin lifts per working day. It was developed in partnership with Superior Pak, a manufacturer of waste collection and compaction equipment.
“It speaks volumes that Remondis, a global leader in the circular economy, has taken the lead by putting a zero-emission waste collection truck into commercial operation,” said John Edgley, Hyzon president of international operations.
“This particular truck – which we call our Heavy Rigid truck – has been developed in Australia as a global platform. It is adaptable for international markets with a multitude of vehicle use cases such as garbage compactors, tilt trays and flatbed trucks.”
The truck will enter operations in the Illawarra region of New South Wales from mid-2023 as part of a first-of-its-kind trial under commercial conditions in Australia.
Hydrogen refuelling of the truck will take place at the Coregas facility at Port Kembla and is expected to take around 20 minutes.
“Remondis committing to this trial is a watershed moment as countries around the world try to shift to zero emission transport outcomes,” said Björn Becker, chairman of Remondis Australia.
“It is a big step to invest in putting a zero-emission waste collection truck to the test in a commercial setting.
“A best-case scenario could be gradually replacing our global diesel-powered trucks with zero-emission trucks, which could set the scene for other companies to do the same. At the very least we’ll collect unprecedented information about what it takes to get closer to fleet decarbonisation.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.