The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has gathered together leaders and key suppliers in transportation and logistics for the fourth annual Alternative Fuel Summit.
Held yesterday at Hyatt Place in Essendon Fields, the event saw VTA CEO Peter Anderson, as part of his opening remarks, call for urgent collaboration to help operators transition to low- and zero-emission transport.
“Momentum towards carbon-free energy is building globally, and our industry must be ready to adapt,” he said.
“But operators cannot do this alone. The transition requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and training. Without support, many businesses will struggle to remain commercially viable.”
Freight Victoria’s Director, Policy and Strategy Melissa O’Brien signalled the intent to introduce low emission zones in Melbourne and an $8 million co-investment to fill gaps for small- and medium-operators that currently fall outside the Australian Renewable Energy Agency funding mechanism.
Renewable fuel and its future utilisation was a major topic of discussion. Rob Cavicchiolo, Carbon Solutions Sales Manager, Viva Energy and Cookers Oil Managing Director Peter Fitzgerald each looked at emerging pathways in what was a fast-evolving market.
Fleet Plant Hire Managing Director Chris West gave a presentation detailing the journey the business had undertaken in its ”hair brain scheme“ to source and deploy an electric tipper.
”These trucks make it stupid simple,” he said, in relation to the ease of operation.
”Drivers have been astounded by the responsiveness, the power and torque.“
West, subsequent to the successful rollout, said he aspired to deploy the largest working e-tipper fleet in the country.
Mondo and New Volt provided updates on their plans to launch charging sites in Victoria with the latter focused on having three vehicle charging stations ready by the second half of 2026.
Kim Hill of HW Richardson, New Zealand’s largest privately-owned transport company, and owner of 80 tankers running as part of Pacific Fuel Solutions in Australia, offered insights into their dual fuel solution in which existing vehicles are retrofitted with a five tank hydrogen system.
Recently appointed Market Development Manager – Emerging Technologies & Alternative Fuels, CMV Group, Joe Di Santo launched CMV Group’s Power Up Program.
The initiative involves eight electric trucks that customers, interesting in lowering their emissions, can evaluate in both Victoria and South Australia.
DHL Supply Chain Senior Vice President Transport Bill Rolfe delivered an engaging overview of the path the company had embarked on starting in 2008 when it set in place pathways for reducing its emissions.
“Sustainable fuel is going to be a big unlocker for DHL across the business,“ he said, noting the volume it used globally across air, sea and road.
Specialists from Gallagher, Impact HQ, and NetNada explored ESG compliance, risk management, and insurance implications, with Daimler Truck Australia Pacific outlining innovations in zero-carbon mobility.
While incentives are available now, Anderson warned that penalties such as carbon taxes and trading schemes may soon accelerate the shift to low-emissions commitments.
“We will be forced to comply with targets and policy if we do not do it ourselves. And when I say forced, I mean through incentives or penalties. Right now, there is government funding available for transition projects – but that support must continue and grow,” he said.
With federal opposition abandoning the 2050 net zero target amid growing concern among industry as energy prices continue to soar, with household electricity costs rising by 23.6 per cent over the past 12 months, Anderson highlighted the difficulty of planning amid uncertainty.
“Trying to define a transitional pathway while staying sustainable is very difficult. We now have two opposing political positions on Net Zero philosophies that create doubt about what the future may look like here in Australia,” he said while stressing the importance of commercial viability.
“Your social conscience has no value if you’re broke and out of business,“ said Anderson.
“The solutions must have commercial value and be supported by your customers.”
The infancy of the market meant that costs and volume availability were a sticking point for fleets and operators looking to test the waters.
“Whether it’s electricity, gases or liquids, the infrastructure to deliver these alternate fuels at the volume and cost acceptable in the market is still in its early days,” said Anderson.
“Operators need confidence that the networks will be there before they commit capital.
“Momentum is building, and so must our knowledge and understanding. But this transition will only succeed if governments, suppliers, and customers work together to support operators every step of the way.”
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