Hydrogen-Powered Commercial Vehicles to Increase in South West England by 2030
Key Ideas
- A new study predicts that 2-10% of commercial vehicles in South West England will run on hydrogen by 2030, with potential demand reaching up to 10%.
- Hydrogen South West, in collaboration with WSP, explores the hydrogen demand for utility, logistics, and passenger fleets in the region.
- The study outlines the need for up to 88 tonnes of hydrogen per day to support the operations of 7,000 hydrogen commercial vehicles in the South West by 2030.
- Strategic locations for hydrogen refuelling stations have been identified, including Bristol, Bridgewater, Exeter, Plymouth, and south west Cornwall, to meet the growing demand.
A new study commissioned by Hydrogen South West reveals that by 2030, 2-10% of commercial vehicles in South West England are expected to run on hydrogen. The study, conducted by professional services consulting firm WSP, focuses on the potential market demand for hydrogen as a transport fuel for various commercial vehicle fleets, such as light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses, and coaches. The research indicates that the region might require up to 88 tonnes of hydrogen per day to support the estimated 7,000 hydrogen commercial vehicles that could be operating by the end of the decade.
The study identifies key strategic locations, including Bristol, Bridgewater, Exeter, Plymouth, and south west Cornwall, as optimal sites for hydrogen refuelling stations to meet the increasing demand. Hydrogen South West, in partnership with WSP, is now strategizing the development of an ecosystem to support the hydrogen infrastructure in the region.
According to Andy Clarke, chair of Hydrogen South West, the unique decarbonization needs of the South West region necessitate alternative solutions to electrification, as battery electric technology may not be suitable for the predominantly rural area. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of hydrogen as a solution for challenges related to journey patterns, payload, and topography.
Hydrogen South West, a consortium of leading businesses and innovators, aims to drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the region. The consortium includes major players like EasyJet, Airbus, Costain, WSP, Bristol Port, and Wales and West Utilities. The initiative aligns with strategic projects like Dorset Green H2, Exeter H2 Hub, HyHaul, and Langage Green, with a focus on establishing hydrogen refuelling clusters at key locations along major transportation corridors.