Australian hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Energys Australia has deployed a 10kW renewable hydrogen generator at a cell tower site.

As reported by PV Magazine earlier this week, Energys installed the generator at Neerim North, 120km east of Melbourne, as part of an AU$ 1.1 million (US$740,000) pilot project with carrier Telstra.

According to the report, the generator has been installed with a Telstra mobile tower and is equipped with enough renewable hydrogen for a minimum 72-hour running capacity, if the tower's primary power is disabled.

The intention of the project is for the hydrogen generators to replace the diesel generators, which require more energy and are less sustainable.

The company said it is sourcing the hydrogen for its generators from an undisclosed location in Victoria.

"Renewable hydrogen is an alternative energy option that could help keep our customers connected. The pilot will help us determine its future role in this space,” said Vicki Romanovski, Telstra's integrated network, facilities, and environment executive.

Hydrogen fuel cells were manufactured by Energys Australia at their Mulgrave, Victoria, factory.

The project will see hydrogen fuel cells installed at Coldstream, Kinglake, Christmas Hills, and Chum Creek, all of which are areas that have experienced telecom outages caused by extreme storms.

The pilot was funded through the AU$6.6m Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, a government initiative that supports the building of hydrogen pilots, trials, and demonstrations.

Energys notes that its team is made up of hydrogen scientists, engineers, and energy experts. The company said its long-term aim is to make green hydrogen an economic reality, eliminate the use of diesel, and help Australia lead the world in green hydrogen production and utilization.