Toyota opens Victoria’s first hydrogen production and storage facility

A 200kW electrolyser – which draws voltage from an 87kW solar system, 100kW battery, and the mains grid – is used to 'decompose' water into hydrogen and oxygen, and, according to Toyota, this can produce up to 80kg of the zero-emission fuel each day.

This hydrogen is then stored under pressure for refuelling commercial trucks and forklifts, as well as any passenger cars compliant with international standards.

At this stage, the site appears to be a proof-of-concept exercise, with 80kg allowing the refilling of approximately 10 vehicles each day.

Late last year the Japanese brand imported 20 examples of its hydrogen-powered 2021 Mirai sedan (shown below), to test the viability of fuel-cell technology in Australia.

Despite not yet offering battery-electric models on the international market, Toyota is considered one of the major automotive proponents of hydrogen technology, alongside Hyundai.

A spokesperson for the brand in Australia told CarAdvice: "Today’s opening of Victoria’s first commercial-grade Hydrogen Centre is significant because it is an important next step for Toyota in achieving zero CO2 emissions from its vehicles and plants under the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050."

Meanwhile, Matthew Callachor – the president and CEO of Toyota Australia – said: "Globally, Toyota is committed to achieving zero CO2 emissions from its vehicles and plants under the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, and the commissioning of our hydrogen refuelling facility here today is an important step towards achieving that goal."

"By demonstrating the viability of renewably-produced hydrogen as an automotive and energy fuel through this project, Toyota and its partners in government and business are pioneering a cleaner, more sustainable future that will encourage the further acceptance of this technology," Mr Callachor continued.

Earlier this week AGL energy subsidiary ActewAGL opened the first national public hydrogen refuelling station near Canberra, and this is slated to power a fleet of 20 government vehicles.