The hydrogen dream – a tale of two countries

For five years, a company has been trying to build a hydrogen industry in Taranaki. It's finding Australia more welcoming. (Image: Getty)

Ian Llewellyn

Thu, 23 Mar 2023

As many countries race to build a hydrogen sector, a New Plymouth-based hydrogen company is finding it easier to get up to speed in Australia as it awaits a hearing in the latest legal challenge against its work in New Zealand.Hiringa Energy recently won millions of dollars from the New South Wales government to build an electrolyser to make green hydrogen, which will be partly used to make fertiliser for a cotton farm.Back in NZ, it's awaiting a court of appeal hearing in May opposing a fast-track consent for an originally budgeted $70 mil...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets

Ebos snaps up SVS, will raise $270m

SVS Veterinary Supplies has more than 100 staff across five NZ locations.

Rebecca Stevenson 10 Apr 2025

Retail

Hart business tips manufacturing contractor into receivership

A spokesperson estimated Hansells Masterton employs 100 people.

Staff reporters 10 Apr 2025

Hart business tips manufacturing contractor into receivership

Markets Market close

Trump's tariff pause boosts NZ sharemarket

It was one of the NZX50's biggest single-day rises in recent times.

Graham Skellern 10 Apr 2025

Trump's tariff pause boosts NZ sharemarket

Sponsored

Go beyond reporting zero emissions

Clean energy that helps businesses and communities thrive

Meridian Energy

Sponsored

New life in property market

Tax rule changes are bringing back mum-and-dad investors.

Fletcher Living

More Energy

Energy

Winners and losers in electricity tariff changes

45% are better off, 15% are neutral and the rest are worse off.

Ian Llewellyn 09 Apr 2025

News in Brief

ComCom warns lines company Alpine Energy

The Commerce Commission has issued a warning to South Canterbury-based lines company Alpine Energy after an accounting error resulted in it overcharging customers by $16.9 million.Commissioner Vhari McWha said its focus was on ensuring Alpine returned the money to customers, with...

Staff reporters 09 Apr 2025