Toyota Australia has announced it is joining forces with other industry players in a step towards the reality of hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy source as together they establish Hydrogen Mobility Australia (HMA).
HMA has been created to assist with the transition from conventional fossil fuels to new-age renewable energy sources, namely hydrogen. The key focus will be on working collaboratively with industry and government to establish regulations, codes and standards for the introduction of a hydrogen economy in Australia.
Government advocacy, research, education and industry engagement programs will also be on the agenda to promote the benefits of fuel cell technology.
Toyota is not the only member of HMA as a range of vehicle manufacturers, energy companies and infrastructure providers are also on the hydrogen bandwagon which includes BP Australia, Caltex Australia, BOC, Coregas, Hyundai Australia, CNH Industrial, ITM Power, Siemens and Viva Energy Australia.
Heading up HMA as the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer will be Claire Johnson who comes to the role with extensive experience in policy development and government relations across both private and public sectors, including leading Toyota Australia’s advocacy for the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles to Australia.
“I am honoured to be appointed as the CEO of Hydrogen Mobility Australia and look forward to working with its members to advance a hydrogen economy for Australia,” said Ms Johnson.
Several hydrogen infrastructure projects are already earmarked to begin in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory as well as in Melbourne’s City of Moreland.
In the realm of cars, Toyota has already established the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell sedan, the Mirai, back in 2014. Last year they also announced the fast-tracking of development and launch of new electrified vehicles which includes hydrogen fuel-cell, hybrids and battery electric models.
Toyota is aiming for electrified vehicles to make up more than 50 per cent of its new-car sales towards the end of the next decade with every model available as either a dedicated electrified model or have an electrified option by 2025.
Toyota vice-president product and corporate operations Mike Rausa, who is also a director of HMA, said, "Toyota's foundation membership of HMA aligns with our global drive to promote sustainable mobility and to play a leading role in the transition to widespread low carbon energy use."
"Hydrogen has the potential to play a pivotal role in the future because it can be used to store and transport energy from wind, solar and other renewable sources to power many things, including vehicles.”
"The sooner we move to a zero emissions society, the better. Toyota along with everyone involved in HMA is committed to making this a reality."
"The sooner we move to a zero emissions society, the better. Toyota along with everyone involved in HMA is committed to making this a reality."
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