ReNu Energy Limited announced the signing of a Letter Agreement between its wholly owned subsidiary Countrywide Hydrogen Pty Ltd and Walkinshaw Automotive Group to look into the possibility of developing hydrogen-powered trucks and prime movers for the Australian market.
Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will collaborate to determine whether it is feasible to ship right-hand-drive (RHD) fuel cell trucks across all of Australia, with Countrywide developing the market and Walkinshaw supplying it.
The importation of left-hand-drive (LHD) fuel cell trucks for later conversion to RHD will be investigated by the two parties, ReNu revealed in an ASX announcement.
Working directly with numerous OEMs, Walkinshaw is already delivering 70 such adaptations per day for the 4WD ute market using RAM and Silverado.
The parties will also consider the possibility of acquiring truck bodywork devoid of an engine or drive train that can be outfitted with a commercially available Toyota fuel cell and electric drive system.
Geoffrey Drucker, ReNu Energy executive director and countrywide managing director, said the collaboration with Walkinshaw is intended to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell trucks throughout Australia.
He added that the partnership follows ReNu’s agreement with 7R Logistics, which has indicated its intention to transfer its Tasmanian fleet from diesel to zero-emission fuel cell trucks.
“This project has an added benefit to the Australian economy as it complements the Federal Government’s goal to rebuild the nation’s manufacturing especially where it has a positive clean energy impact,” noted Drucker.
Walkinshaw Group Managing Director Joel Stoddart expressed his excitement about the opportunity to work with Countrywide Hydrogen to assess the feasibility of developing hydrogen-powered trucks and prime movers for the Australian market.
“We’re also thrilled that the opportunity could extend through exports to other right-hand drive nations such as New Zealand and South Africa,” Stoddart stated.
According to ReNu, the signed agreement establishes a strategic framework for the parties to collaborate on determining the feasibility of hydrogen-powered trucks and prime movers for the Australian market.
Following the conclusion of the feasibility analysis, the parties seek to transform the agreement into a long-form deal in order to move the project forwards.
