Two innovative family-run Kiwi energy companies have announced their intention to work together to develop New Zealand's first nationwide hydrogen refuelling station network.

Taranaki-based Hiringa Energy - the first company in New Zealand dedicated to the supply of "green" hydrogen - and King Country-based Waitomo Group - New Zealand's fastest-growing independent fuel retailer - say they will work together on "the detailed engineering requirements and consenting for a network of hydrogen refuelling sites", some of which will be on existing Waitomo Fuel Stops.

According to the companies initial locations have been selected, with plans for a further 20 stations to be developed across both the North and South Island. Development and consenting for the first hydrogen refuelling sites will get under way this year and the two companies will work together to identify and scope further sites for development of the network in 2020.

Supplied Two generations of the Clennett (left) and Ormsby (right) families working together to make a positive impact on New Zealand’s future fuel supply options.

Hiringa Energy has been involved with the production of "green" hydrogen - that is hydrogen that is created from renewable electricity - for a number of years now, receiving a $950,000 grant from the government in 2018 to develop plans for hydrogen production and a refuelling network and teaming up with Ballance Agri-Nutrients last year to produce green hydrogen at Ballance's Kapuni ammonia urea plant in South Taranaki.

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Hiringa Energy's focus so far has been on heavy transport, with CEO and co-founder, Andrew Clennett saying "Heavy transport makes up only four per cent of our vehicles, but they're responsible for over 25 per cent of our total vehicle emissions. Hydrogen is the key technology that will allow these fleets to stay on the road – a mass-market, clean energy solution that can have a real impact on reducing our transport emissions."

SUPPLIED Ballance Agri-Nutrients ceo Mark Wynne (left) with Hiringa Energy ceo Andrew Clennett at Ballance's Kapuni plant.

But there are some hydrogen powered cars in New Zealand, with Hyundai having two Nexos on its fleet (with a third on its way), while Toyota is rumoured to have a couple of Mirais in the country for evaluation.

Waitomo told Stuff that while the network would initially be targeted towards heavy transport and public transport operators such as buses, extending the option to private vehicles is a key aim for the company, adding that "this needs to be aligned with a commitment to import suitable cars into New Zealand."

Hyundai would certainly be on board with that, with a media spokesperson telling Stuff "We have an existing working relationship with Hiringa Energy, so we welcome the news that they have partnered with Waitomo Group to develop New Zealand's first network of hydrogen refuelling stations.

DAVID LINKLATER/STUFF Hyundai has two examples of its Nexo hydrogen car in New Zealand, with a third on its way.

"We congratulate them on taking the lead and progressing the infrastructure in NZ for this alternative fuel source. Whilst the initial focus is on heavy transport, it's a great start and in time will progress, enabling the New Zealand public to be in a position to fuel other hydrogen powered vehicles, such as Hyundai's Nexo."

"Two small Kiwi, family-owned businesses working together to show leadership in this space, for our children's future and for the wider economy, is really exciting and the potential for New Zealand is huge, but we can't do it on our own," said Clennett.

"Delivering high-impact, commercially-viable solutions to reduce emissions will require input and partnership between government, cities, regions and private businesses. Establishing partnerships with leading companies like Waitomo is a key strategy to enable this transition, and we look forward to more partners coming on board with us."

SUPPLIED This one is lurking in Sydney, but there are rumoured to be several Mirais in New Zealand being evaluated by Toyota.

Waitomo Managing Director Jimmy Ormsby says his third-generation, family-run company has been evolving its business model over the last 70 years to meet New Zealand's unique energy requirements.

"From my grandfather Desmond Ormsby's foundation of the business in 1947 in Te Kuiti, to my father Grey Ormsby's management of the business and then on to me, we've all been focused on building and growing Waitomo for the benefit of all Kiwis. That includes providing fuel supply for future generations of New Zealanders.

"Adding low emission alternative fuel solutions to our network is a no-brainer. We want to leave a legacy for the next generation of Ormsby's to continue in our footsteps. The exciting opportunities that green hydrogen technology offers allows us to deliver on that.

"Working with a company like Hiringa that shares our values and vision, and wants to make a positive impact on New Zealand's future fuel supply options for Kiwis and Kiwi businesses, is a project we're really proud to be involved in."