Fabrum, a New Zealand company leading the world in zero-emission transition technologies, has collaborated on the design, build and commissioning of Australia’s largest liquid hydrogen plant at a mine site with and for Fortescue, a global green technology, energy and metals company headquartered in Western Australia.

The liquid hydrogen plant at Christmas Creek, which comprises a hydrogen liquefaction facility, liquid hydrogen storage and a liquid hydrogen refuelling station, was unveiled today. Liquid hydrogen from the plant will be used to power Fortescue’s zero-emissions mining equipment prototypes including its Offboard Power Unit and its hydrogen-powered haul truck prototype. The liquid hydrogen plant can produce ~350 kg of liquid hydrogen per day and has ~600 kg of storage.

Christopher Boyle, Fabrum’s Executive Chair, said: “We’re delighted to be developing world-leading hydrogen technologies for our partner, Fortescue, to help the company achieve its decarbonisation goals. While others in the industry might see the decarbonisation challenge as too big, Fortescue is leading the way in adopting new technologies to enable a zero-emissions economy. Together, we’re demonstrating the future is here now – and that our liquid hydrogen production and refuelling technologies can enable industry to power operations and transport today.”

Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, said: “Fortescue is moving at rapid speed to decarbonise and the completion of our hydrogen facility, which is the largest gaseous and liquid hydrogen plant on any mine site in Australia, is testament to our commitment to leading heavy industry in decarbonising.

“Hydrogen and fuels made using renewable energy will have a role to play in decarbonising mining, whether it’s in buses, heavy mining equipment such as haul trucks and excavators, or producing green iron.   

“This renewable hydrogen plant is versatile, enabling us to produce gaseous and liquid hydrogen to be used to power our mining equipment prototypes, while also providing the added benefit of refuelling our fleet of coaches at Christmas Creek.”

Dr Ojas Mahapatra, Chief Executive Officer of Fabrum, said, “This is the first project we’ve collaborated on with Fortescue, an investor in Fabrum, and it highlights the great opportunities we see to help each other be successful in the future. This project also represents our entry into the mining and minerals industry to add to our work in heavy transport, aviation and other industries. It’s an exciting time for Fabrum as we continue to grow rapidly to meet increasing global demand for hydrogen production systems and other technologies.”

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