Hydrogen to cut through
19 May 2021
New energy innovation is showcased as part of the National renewables in agriculture conference in Dubbo, featuring the power of renewable energy with the launch of H2Cuts, a mobile hairdressing salon powered by hydrogen.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Research Officer Energy Efficiency Solutions, John O’Connor said H2Cuts showcases technology which could be used on farm to power shearing sheds and other farming operations as part of the $11.7 million NSW Government Climate Change Research Strategy.
“This custom-designed trailer demonstrates how hydrogen fuel cell and solar technology can be used on and off-farm to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The mobile salon is a conversation starter for NSW DPI staff to engage with farmers to discuss research findings and explore options to solve energy issues, reduce costs and improve energy efficiency.
“This novel trailer demonstrates emerging technology which has the potential to help us meet our net zero ambitions and sustain our future on the planet.
“Hydrogen fuel cells can drive everything from hair clippers to large mining trucks. It’s a new and rapidly developing technology with costs expected to decrease as scale of production increases.”
H2Cuts is part of an $11.7 million NSW Government initiative, which is injecting funding to develop and deliver energy projects across the state.
Other initiatives promoted by H2Cuts and funded by the NSW Climate Change Research Strategy through NSW DPI include:
- Exploring Beyond Diesel webinars to explore low and zero carbon diesel alternatives, including hydrogen, biofuel and electrification
- Energy Efficiency Solutions pilot projects which demonstrate innovative technologies and practices to boost on-farm energy efficiency, security and productivity and reduce energy use, costs and emissions
- Biomass for Bioenergy which investigates innovative approaches to electricity generation using organic matter
- Energy Smart Farming, which focuses on efficient and renewable energy technologies to improve farm productivity and resilience and is available on the NSW DPI Tocal College and Agriculture Victoria portal.
H2Cuts is supported through a partnership with Sustainable Salons.
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