The study finds that hydrogen could be competitive in some transport and freight applications, such as return-to-base heavy trucks or energy intensive on-site transport operations (e.g. forklifts and cranes).
EECA's Chief Executive Andrew Caseley says the transition to a low-emissions economy will require a substantial amount of change in how we use our resources.
He says the Concept report provides an indication of how hydrogen might fit into different energy applications, based on various scenarios and assumptions about the current and future costs of technology.
"If we’re going to lower our energy emissions, we need to look at all potential options. Development of hydrogen as a cost-effective, competitive fuel for New Zealand will depend on how it compares to other existing and emerging technologies."
EECA contributed to the funding of the study in conjunction with other organisations including the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Meridian Energy, First Gas, Powerco and Contact Energy.
Download the study
Report 1 - Summary(external link)