Fabrum and Fortescue Commission Australia’s Largest Liquid Hydrogen Plant on a Mine Site

August 26, 2024

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(Fabrum) Australia’s largest liquid hydrogen plant at a mine site is now operational at Fortescue’s Green Energy Hub at Christmas Creek in Western Australia; Fabrum played a significant role in delivering an end-to-end liquid hydrogen ecosystem to help decarbonise Fortescue’s mining operations -- 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.”

About Fabrum
For 20 years, Fabrum’s patented cryogenic technology has enabled the global movement towards clean energy transition. Fabrum delivers solutions to support a zero-emission future for mobility in aviation, marine, heavy transport, and heavy industry. The Fabrum patented cryocooler technology has been applied in electrolysers, hydrogen liquification plants, boil-off gas management systems, and hydrogen refuelling stations. Fabrum’s composite technology has also been adopted into heavy industry mobility, on-board aviation fuel tanks, and superconductivity. Fabrum, headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, has built an impressive list of global IP and solution success, applying its sustainable solutions to enable humanity to tread lightly. For more information, see www.fabrum.nz

About Fortescue

Fortescue is the technology, energy and metals group accelerating commercial decarbonisation through industry, rapidly, profitably and globally. It is leading the green industrial revolution, building a global portfolio of renewable green hydrogen and green ammonia projects and green technology solutions, while also leading the global effort to help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. This includes developing and acquiring the technology and energy supply to help decarbonize the Australian iron ore operations of one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore, Fortescue Metals, by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions).
fortescue.com READ MORE

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Fabrum launches hydrogen testing facility at Christchurch Airport to accelerate zero-emission aviation (Fabrum)

Excerpt from Fabrum: Fabrum, a New Zealand company leading the world in zero-emission transition technologies, has unveiled a hydrogen testing facility in partnership with Christchurch Airport to support the development of green hydrogen-powered technologies, primarily in aviation. The partnership will see a test site established as part of the CIAL’s Kowhai Park, renewable energy precinct.

Fabrum and Christchurch Airport are partners in a hydrogen consortium with Airbus, Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), Air New Zealand, and Hiringa Energy, which was established in 2023 to bring zero-emission aviation to life in New Zealand.

Fabrum executive chair Christopher Boyle said the test facility demonstrates the commitment and progress of Fabrum, Christchurch Airport and its hydrogen consortium partners to building a hydrogen ecosystem, with aviation as a key focus.

“We’re proud to be working with Christchurch Airport to offer a world-class facility that supports the development and testing of hydrogen solutions to support global decarbonisation efforts. Having liquid hydrogen as an aviation fuel available on-site is vital for the aviation sector, rapidly advancing towards hydrogen-fuelled operations to unlock a zero-emissions future. This collaboration with Christchurch Airport further positions Christchurch as a hub for liquid hydrogen activity.”

Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said, “This facility is another example of how Christchurch Airport is enabling innovation and collaboration to drive decarbonisation. Having already reduced our own operational emissions by 92%, we’re now focused on helping others transition to a low-emissions future. By partnering with Fabrum and global industry leaders, we’re not just supporting the transition—we’re at the cutting edge of the sector, leading the way for us to play a key role in accelerating hydrogen adoption in aviation and beyond.”

Christchurch hydrogen test facility: paving the way for a sustainable hydrogen future

Fabrum established its advanced liquid hydrogen test facility on land leased from Christchurch Airport in its 400-hectare Kowhai Park energy precinct. Fabrum’s facility enables the development of liquefiers, gas management systems, and boil-off gas management technologies.

Fabrum chief executive Dr Ojas Mahapatra says the facility provides a critical resource for companies developing liquid hydrogen systems, offering them a dedicated space to test and refine their technologies.

“We look forward to welcoming the first customers to the new facility in 2025. Fabrum is already working with aviation companies globally to develop liquid hydrogen storage systems, and our customers will be among the first to test the performance and reliability of hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. While primarily catering to Fabrum’s clients, we would also like to invite like-minded companies for joint ventures and development projects to test their technology in the facility before it is deployed in the real world.”

In 2024 Fabrum received co-funding support for the hydrogen test-site initiative through an Ārohia Trailblazer Innovation Grant from Callaghan Innovation, designed to support businesses that are benefiting the Aotearoa New Zealand innovation ecosystem and have global potential.

Boyle adds that by bringing hydrogen testing and excellence facilities to the innovation ecosystem, Fabrum will facilitate partnerships and alliances to de-risk technology and advance hydrogen projects domestically and internationally. READ MORE