Hydrogen could power 10% of South West fleet by 2030!

In a bid to revolutionise the transportation landscape in south west England, a new study commissioned by Hydrogen South West has shed light on the potential future of commercial vehicles in the region. By 2030, it is estimated that 2-10% of commercial vehicles will be powered by hydrogen, marking a significant shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly fuel alternatives.

The study, conducted by professional services consulting firm WSP, delves into the projected demand for hydrogen as a transport fuel for various commercial vehicle fleets. This includes utilities, logistics, freight, and passenger fleets encompassing light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses, and coaches.

Under different scenarios, the findings indicate that the uptake of hydrogen in commercial vehicles could range from 2% to as high as 10% by 2030. In the most conservative estimate, this would translate to approximately 7,000 hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles operating in the South West, requiring a daily supply of up to 88 tonnes of hydrogen to sustain their operations.

Andy Clarke, chair of Hydrogen South West and director for integrated transport at Costain, emphasised the unique decarbonisation needs of the South West region. With its rural landscape heavily reliant on road transport, he highlighted the challenges faced by vehicle fleets that cannot be adequately addressed by battery electric technology due to factors like journey patterns, payload, and terrain. In such cases, hydrogen emerges as a more viable and effective solution.

To cater to the projected demand for hydrogen refuelling, a network of refuelling stations has been pinpointed across strategic locations in Bristol, Bridgewater, Exeter, Plymouth, and south west Cornwall. These stations are deemed crucial for facilitating the growth of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles and creating a sustainable ecosystem for their operation.

Hydrogen South West, in collaboration with its members and WSP, is now focused on advancing the development of this hydrogen infrastructure. By strategically placing hydrogen refuelling clusters along key corridors and in proximity to major projects like Dorset Green H2 and Exeter H2 Hub, the aim is to build a robust network that can support the evolving needs of commercial fleets while promoting sustainable practices in the region.

Hydrogen South West, a consortium of leading businesses and innovators championing hydrogen infrastructure development, includes prominent names such as EasyJet, Airbus, Hynamics (part of EDF), Costain, WSP, Bristol Port, Bristol Airport, Wessex Water, and Wales and West Utilities. Together, they are spearheading initiatives to drive the adoption of hydrogen technology and pave the way for a greener future in transportation.

For those interested in getting involved or accessing the full report detailing the study’s findings, David Eccles, director of Hydrogen South West, and Chris Steel, Hydrogen South West strategic partnerships manager, are the key contacts to reach out to. Join the movement towards a sustainable transport revolution in south west England!