EU hydrogen refuse truck project begins operation
The REVIVE (Refuse Vehicle Innovation and Validation in Europe) project, co-financed by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), is has started the operation of a fuel cell refuse truck in Breda, The Netherlands,
The scheme, supported by an Interreg-funded refuelling station as part of Hydrogen Region 2.0, sees the development of heavy-duty fuel cell technology with the first REVIVE truck starting operation in real-world urban waste collection.
The truck is supported by a mobile hydrogen refuelling station, deployed as part of the Interreg-funded Hydrogen Region 2.0 project to demonstrate various hydrogen applications by different end-users.
The truck will refuel at a new permanent hydrogen refuelling station, which will be integrated into a multi-fuel station currently under development by Total Nederland. This new refuelling station will also be implemented in the scope of Hydrogen Region 2.0, funded by Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland.
This link between two European funding agencies highlights the importance of coordinated and collaborative activities in the development of fuel cell hydrogen technology as a clean, low-emission energy solution.
The fuel cell technology doubles the operational range compared to a standard electric truck and allows it to operate along equivalent duty cycles to conventional diesel trucks. In total, 15 REVIVE trucks will be deployed across 8 sites in Europe, compiling an evidence base for the continued roll-out of fuel cell technology as a viable option for zero-emission waste collection.
A key advantage of fuel cell refuse vehicles over diesel equivalents is that fuel cell options result in zero tailpipe emissions.
Bart Biebuyck, executive director, fuel cells and hydrogen joint undertaking, said: “With its zero-emission transport solution, the REVIVE project demonstrates the readiness of fuel cells and hydrogen applications as a promising technology in the heavy-duty sector.”
André Beukers, Director of E-Trucks Europe, Driven by Hydrogen said: “The Municipality of Breda was one of Europe’s first early adopters with serious interest in a hydrogen refuse truck. They ordered two refuse trucks with a hydrogen-electric driveline. Refuelling 15 kilograms of hydrogen will take only 8 to 10 minutes, and then the truck is able to do its work for two days again.”
Daan Quaars, Alderman for the Waste Service of the Municipality of Breda, said: “Hydrogen is cheaper to use and better for the environment and our drivers. This vehicle is a nice innovation and therefore ties in well with our goal for the waste policy in Breda: a smart use of our raw materials to ensure a good life on a healthy planet in the future.”
Marja Versleijen, director mobility and new energies, Total Nederland: “This step towards hydrogen mobility is a great example of taking responsibility in the energy transition. It is Total’s ambition to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 together with society, a goal aligned with the purpose to provide energy that is more reliable, affordable and clean to as many people as possible.”
