As Queensland continues its clean energy transition, Fyfe is supporting Emerald Coaches on its path to zero-emissions transport.
Fyfe is proud to have delivered a Concept Study for Emerald Coaches, working towards a fleet of hydrogen-powered coaches and helping put green transport firmly on the road.
The Concept Study focused on developing a fit-for-purpose, cost-effective hydrogen plant to power a several Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), which use onboard hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for electric motors.
Overview
Emerald Coaches’ Concept Study pilot plant involves a 0.25MW alkaline hydrogen electrolyser that is powered by rooftop solar and a battery energy storage system (BESS), supplemented by occasional grid power.
Emerald’s green initiative aligns with the Queensland government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy.
Fyfe’s role and responsibilities
Early-stage collaboration was key. Fyfe’s hydrogen specialists drew on past experiences with designing hydrogen refuelling stations to help Emerald Coaches assess feasibility and optimise the energy mix for producing green hydrogen on-site.
Using Homer Pro software, we modelled the system to supply around 20 kilograms of hydrogen per day to power Emerald’s coaches. Our initial study covered all the proposed plant’s critical components, including:
- Rooftop solar and BESS
- A 0.25MW hydrogen electrolyser
- High-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders
- Hydrogen compressor and dispenser
- Integration with an Ergon pad-mounted transformer to convert power to an appropriate level for the plant.
Our modelling aimed to maximise hydrogen production from solar, while limiting the reliance on grid power. A key focus of the study was cost-efficiency: we assessed various commercial electricity tariffs to understand their impact on the station’s net operating costs. This informed an optimal balance between system sizing, load demand, and occasional grid usage.
As part of the Concept Study Fyfe has provided:
- Guidance on the required DA documentation
- A plot plan optimised for reduced separation distances, meeting the requirements of the Hydrogen Technology Code, including NFPA 2:2023 and the AS/NZS IEC 60079 standard for hazardous area requirements.
- Multi-discipline engineering deliverables across process, mechanical, electrical, safety, and piping engineering
- A full basis of design and safety management plan
- Integration plans for offshore vendor packages in the broader balance-of-plant design.
Through tailored technical support and hands-on collaboration, Fyfe has helping Emerald Coaches understand the meaningful steps toward a cleaner transport future for Queensland.
We are proud to support the company with this Concept Study for production and refuelling station, and to be part of a significant Queensland initiative.
If you would like to connect with a member of our hydrogen team or explore our services, please contact us.
