Challenges and Opportunities in Transitioning Public Transport to Hydrogen Fuel
Key Ideas
  • European public transport decision-makers express concerns over grid capacity for battery electric and hydrogen-powered fleets.
  • Hydrogen seen as effective in overcoming limitations of battery-powered fleets by 89% of respondents.
  • Majority of public transport professionals plan to invest in hydrogen vehicles over the next decade.
  • Challenges include safe hydrogen storage, with 76% of UK respondents considering it a significant barrier.
A recent study commissioned by IMI highlighted the concerns and potential of transitioning public transport to greener fuel sources in Europe. European public transport decision-makers are worried about the capacity of their grid connection to support battery electric and hydrogen-powered fleets. However, 89% see hydrogen as effective in overcoming limitations faced by battery-powered fleets. The research revealed that while hydrogen buses cover only 4.6% of the zero-emission bus market in Europe, there is a growing interest in hydrogen fuel cell buses. Concerns over safe hydrogen storage were raised, with 76% of UK respondents identifying it as a significant barrier. Despite this, the majority are planning to invest in hydrogen vehicles in the next decade. The study also emphasized the importance of decentralized storage and smaller, local electrolyzers to address these concerns. Additionally, on-site hydrogen generation through decentralised electrolysis was proposed as an effective solution to bridge the gap between production and end-users.
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