Emerald Coaches Green Hydrogen Mobility Project
Emerald Coaches Green Hydrogen Mobility Project
The project proponent is planning a long-term conversion of its full fleet of over 120 vehicles from diesel fuel usage to hydrogen fuel cell electric (HFCE) vehicles, with the first of these vehicles planned to be introduced by early 2026.
| Main proponents:
Emerald Coaches |
Main end-use classification:
Hydrogen mobility |
Status:
Under development – FEED stage |
Estimated cost:
AUD$6.5 million (two coaches and associated hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure) |
| Other involvement:
|
Production details:
On-site production of up to 40 kilograms of hydrogen per day |
Location:
Queensland, Australia |
Announced funding:
AUD$2.7 million – Queensland Government Hydrogen Industry Development Fund (Round Two grant award) |
Project description
Emerald Coaches is a regional transport service based in Emerald and Mackay, Queensland. It operates a fleet of over 120 vehicles, supplying passenger transport services to the mining and resources sector as well as charter and school transport services.
Emerald Coaches diesel-powered fleet presently consumes over one million litres of fuel annually, producing 3,100 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Emerald Coaches is implementing an eMission zero project, under which its full fleet of vehicles would be replaced by HFCE vehicles by 2040. It is anticipated that the first two vehicles will be introduced during the first quarter of 2026.
The project proponent advises the first stage of the project will focus on the operation and maintenance of HFCE vehicles from its existing Emerald bus depot. Hydrogen will be produced on-site using a small electrolyser. The selection process for the vehicles, electrolyser (PEM) and refuelling station infrastructure for the first stage has been finalised.
FEED studies for the project have commenced.
Options for the second stage of the project include the establishment of a new purpose-built green hydrogen production facility in Emerald to serve Emerald Coaches and third-party off-takers from the surrounding mining, transport and agricultural industries.
Emerald Coaches’ estimates that full conversion of its vehicle fleet by 2040, including associated hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure, would cost an estimated AUD$100 million
Reviewed (reviewed by the project proponent): February 2025