Four New Zealand businesses have come together to try and use hydrogen in an aviation setting for the first time in Aotearoa, otherwise known as New Zealand.

Air New Zealand, Wellington Airport, Toyota, and Hiringa Energy have joined forces to trial using hydrogen to charge the airline’s electric tugs and service vehicles over the next few weeks at Wellington Airport.

The use of hydrogen on aircraft has already seen successful results overseas, and the airline said it wants to pioneer the commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered aircraft in New Zealand.

“The biggest challenge here in New Zealand is setting up the supply, transport, and infrastructure to support fuelling the aircraft. This trial is an important first step to enable the development of that system,” said Air New Zealand senior sustainability manager, Jacob Snelgrov.

Wellington Airport chief Matt Clarke said this is the first time that hydrogen has been used at a Kiwi airport, which will test the viability of the clean energy source.

The trial, which will run from 4 to 15 March will be conducted using a hydrogen fuel cell provided by Toyota New Zealand. The fuel cell uses hydrogen to generate electricity, with supply coordinated by Hiringa Energy, a New Zealand-based clean energy company.

“Green hydrogen has a significant role to play in decarbonising Aotearoa, and this programme is helping everyone to better understand the benefits of introducing hydrogen to airport operations as we prepare for hydrogen-powered aircraft in the future,” noted Hiringa Energy chief, Andrew Clennett.

Toyota New Zealand chief, Neeraj Lala, said the company’s fuel cell generators will provide a genuine clear energy alternative for companies serious about climate change.

“By showcasing innovative solutions like the fuel cell generator in practical applications such as aviation, we can stimulate demand and demonstrate the viability and benefits of hydrogen technology, ultimately paving the way for broader adoption and investment in hydrogen across various sectors of the New Zealand economy,” noted Neeraj.