Hydrogen’s Role in Decarbonising Heavy Transport

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In an urgent call to action, the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA), Road Haulage Association (RHA), and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) have united to urge the UK Government to take decisive steps to ensure that hydrogen remains a viable option for decarbonising heavy transport. As the nation gears up for a refresh of its Hydrogen Strategy, these organisations highlight the critical role hydrogen can play in facilitating a practical and affordable pathway to net zero for high-utilisation and hard-to-electrify land transport applications.

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), long-distance coaches, utility vans, construction machinery, emergency service fleets, and portions of the rail sector are all under the spotlight as sectors that could greatly benefit from hydrogen technology. This collaborative effort comes on the heels of a recent cross-sector workshop convened by the HEA, where key stakeholders—including vehicle operators, technology providers, financiers, and industry associations—gathered to discuss the future of hydrogen in transportation.

During the workshop, participants expressed a consensus that battery-electric solutions alone are insufficient to meet the operational demands of the heavy transport sector. In light of this, they emphasised that “urgent action is required” to harness the potential of hydrogen. Alarmingly, data indicates that, relative to its population size, the UK lags significantly behind the European average in terms of hydrogen refuelling stations, with fewer than six currently in regular operation compared to approximately 100 across Europe. To ensure the UK does not fall behind, experts argue that at least 12 to 13 strategically located refuelling stations along key freight corridors, along with dedicated support for back-to-base hubs, are essential.

In their joint letter, the HEA, RHA, and CPA have outlined several recommendations for the government to consider:

• Recognise hydrogen’s economic and strategic value for energy security, industrial growth, and decarbonisation, accompanied by consistent messaging across government departments.
• Publish a national roadmap for hydrogen fuel and refuelling infrastructure to provide market certainty and attract private investment.
• Introduce hydrogen demand targets to stimulate supply chains and bolster security of supply.
• Create mechanisms to bridge the early cost gap between hydrogen fuel and diesel.
• Ensure all hydrogen transport solutions, including internal combustion engine hydrogen, receive support under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and other net zero policies.

Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the HEA, articulated the broader implications of hydrogen adoption, stating, “Hydrogen is not just an energy solution – it is an economic opportunity. With the right policy support, the UK can decarbonise heavy transport without compromising productivity, while also creating jobs, strengthening energy security, and positioning itself as a global leader in hydrogen technology.” Her comments underscore the multifaceted benefits that a robust hydrogen strategy could bring, not only for the environment but also for the economy.

Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the hurdles faced by HGV and coach operators in their quest for fleet decarbonisation. “As the market for zero-emission vehicle technologies evolves to meet the UK’s net zero targets, it is essential that all technology options remain on the table, including hydrogen and the use of low carbon fuels. This is particularly critical for hard-to-decarbonise use cases, such as transporting very heavy goods,” he remarked.

Similarly, Luis Bassett, Decarbonisation and Sustainability Manager at the CPA, acknowledged the unpredictability surrounding the decarbonisation of construction machinery. “When it comes to decarbonising construction machinery, nobody can predict the future, but it’s clear that there will be a mix of technologies at play,” he explained. “There are significant challenges to all alternative fuels, but hydrogen shows considerable potential, particularly in off-grid locations and in terms of residual value on the international market. The UK must support both hydrogen fuel cell and combustion technologies to help advance its efforts in reducing dependence on diesel, maximising options for moving away from fossil fuels.”

The call to action from these organisations is a clarion reminder of the pressing need for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to hydrogen deployment in the UK. As the government prepares to refine its Hydrogen Strategy, the voices of industry leaders and stakeholders are pivotal in shaping a future where hydrogen can fulfil its promise as a cornerstone of a sustainable transport ecosystem.

As we look ahead, it is essential for all members of the Net Zero community to remain engaged in this dialogue, advocating for policies that not only support hydrogen but also foster innovation and collaboration across sectors. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future that embraces the full potential of hydrogen technology in heavy transport and beyond.

Let us continue to champion the shift towards net zero, recognising that every step taken today can lead to monumental changes tomorrow. Stay tuned for further developments as we monitor the government’s response and the evolving landscape of hydrogen in the UK.