EODev launches licensed production of its GEH₂® in Australia

French pioneer of sustainable energy solutions EODev is partnering with Toyota Australia for the assembly and distribution of its GEH₂® hydrogen power generators units from the first quarter of 2024. Toyota Australia will invest A$3.27 million to assemble up to 100 generators over the next three years at its Altona site in Melbourne. This is an important milestone in the history of EODev which is celebrating its 4th anniversary this year, and a boost in the very buoyant South Pacific market, withboth Australia and New Zealand having major decarbonization ambitions.

With the signing of the GEH₂® assembly and distribution contracts with EODev (Energy Observer Developments), Toyota Australia is preparing to expand its scope of action in the hydrogen sector. The first model to be assembled will be the 110 kVA GEH₂® hydrogen power generator unit which uses an evolution of the fuel cell module that powers the Toyota Mirai, the first production electric car using a fuel cell. Coupled with a 44kWh battery capable of providing 88kW, the Toyota fuel cell powering the GEH₂® allows electricity production without emissions of CO₂, NOx or fine particles, the GEH₂® only rejecting water and heat.

Toyota Australia will also be responsible for the distribution of EODev solutions, in collaboration with Blue Diamond Machinery, the precursor Australian partner of EODev since the end of 2021. Units will also be exported across the Tasman Sea with Toyota New Zealand as a first customer and plans for them to distribute on their market.

As the market evolves, the assembly and distribution by Toyota Australia of other models and power ranges may also be considered, like for the new high capacity GEH₂® currently in development at EODev.

Toyota Australia President and CEO, Mr Matthew Callachor, welcomed Toyota's involvement in developing other applications using its fuel cell technology with its partners: «Toyota fully supports the Australian federal and state governments’ drive in growing our hydrogen economy and is committed to exploring opportunities for our fuel cell technology well beyond its automotive use ».

With the launch of Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy in 2019, Australian governments have pledged A$6.3 billion in investment to drive the development of the hydrogen industry, supporting a wide range of projects and implementing public policies to support research and development in this sector. Today, there are 22 projects that are already operational or under development across the country.

Mr. Callachor added that « This agreement signed today is not about a trial or pilot program, it is about concrete action that will improve Australian businesses’ access to stationary hydrogen fuel cell generators and help them reduce their carbon footprint. » As this is not Toyota Australia's first attempt at using hydrogen power generators.

Last year, Toyota Australia demonstrated the potential of EODev's GEH₂® hydrogen power generator unit by powering the huge illuminated sign at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne during an Australian Football League match; and, this year, during the Formula 1 Melbourne Grand Prix, where it powered the six marquees of the technology center for four days.

EODev's Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Stéphane Jardin, stated that this agreement represents a significant milestone for the French company as it is the first time the GEH₂® hydrogen power generator will be assembled outside their production site in Montlhéry, in the Paris region: « The GEH₂® hydrogen power generator has been in production since 2021 and over a hundred units have been sold in several European markets, as well as in North America, the Middle East and, of course, Australia. We clearly see strong potential for its use in this part of the world, across many applications, whether for events, construction sites, in the country's many mines or as a back-up solution.»

And Mr. Jardin added: « We are delighted to have the support of Toyota Australia to assemble these power generators locally, an initiative which will allow more customers to access this virtuous technology and help reduce CO₂ emissions from local production of electricity, particularly as a zero-emission alternative to diesel generators”.

Toyota's demonstrations also complemented the offer from Blue Diamond Machinery, the precursor Australian partner of EODev since the end of 2021, which made it possible to operate GEH₂® on numerous construction sites in the heart of the country, whether to recharge electric vehicles or, as Mr. Jardin pointed out, to replace diesel generators. And thanks also to equipment rental company Kennards Hire, which purchased GEH₂®s in 2022.

Justin Pitts, Director of Blue Diamond Machinery, who attended the signing of the agreements between Toyota Australia and EODev, was delighted with this new milestone. “It’s very exciting to see our partnership with EODev and Toyota progress to a stage where the GE₂®s can now be manufactured locally and made available to local industry. The company is delighted to contribute to Australia’s decarbonisation efforts and thanks EODev and Toyota for their investment in growing Australia’s nascent hydrogen sector,” Mr Pitts said.