The hydrogen dream – a tale of two countries

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
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...

More Energy

Election politics weigh on gentailer valuations
Markets

Election politics weigh on gentailer valuations

Political noise and manoeuvring are distorting the electricity market again.

Ian Llewellyn 12 Nov 2025
Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger
Policy Analysis

Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger

The review has been described as a ‘rare opportunity for genuine transformation’. 

Ian Llewellyn 10 Nov 2025
War on Nature v Going for Growth
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: War on Nature v Going for Growth

Some big environmental eggs were broken this week to 'go for growth'.

Pattrick Smellie 07 Nov 2025
$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms
Policy

$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms

The fund has been expanded to cover gas storage.

Ian Llewellyn 06 Nov 2025