Melbourne’s Moreland City Council is aiming to have the first emission free refuse collection fleet in the world by 2020.
Moreland Council has teamed up with H2U (or the Hydrogen Utility) in order to convert its fleet of 12 diesel powered trucks to 100 per cent renewable hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using a mix of storm water, solar and wind power.
The council has applied for Victorian and Federal Government funding to see the infrastructure required come to fruition.
Moreland Mayor Helen Davidson says her council is already focussed on sustainability and the move to hydrogen fuelled trucks is another measure.
“Moreland has always been a recognised leader when it comes to sustainability initiatives and this world first project will take us closer to achieving our zero emissions goal,” said Cr Davidson.
“With the prototype truck to be built locally, Council can continue its transition away from fossil diesel fuel and toward renewable hydrogen for all our heavy fleet vehicles.”
H2U CEO Dr Attilio Pigneri says Moreland is being treated as a pilot program for other councils across Australia.
“We are truly inspired by the knowledge, foresight, enthusiasm and can-do attitude we have encountered at Moreland,” said Pigneri.
“Council’s energy is infectious and their standing as an environmental leader has many councils across Australia eager to follow in Moreland’s footsteps.”
