Wednesday, October 9, 2024
HydrogenLatestNews

Hydrogen firm HVS unveils five-point plan

Zero-emission commercial vehicle firm HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems) has revealed a five-point plan outlining the key steps for the adoption of hydrogen-powered HGVs and the transition to a hydrogen economy. 

HVS has identified and is calling for clarity on detailed timescales, supported by policy incentives to encourage early adoption of vehicles.

This includes changes to legislation, green hydrogen production subsidies and commitments to infrastructure development, as well as support for workforce training.

HVS’ roadmap aims to propel the industry forward, enabling more rapid decarbonisation of the goods delivery sector, and helping the UK to meet its commitment to achieving net-zero targets.

It includes:

  1. Incentives: Governments must “implement a package of support measures that provide operators with incentives and offer clarity on actual costs to generate confidence to invest in new fleets”.
  2. Legislation and regulatory framework changes: Governments and local authorities “must provide clear commitments to supporting the transition by setting ambitious carbon reduction targets and adopting sector-specific goals”. 
  3. Green hydrogen production: it calls on the “UK Government to ramp up support for the increased production of renewable energy and channel these efforts into green hydrogen production”.
  4. Infrastructure: HVS said “there is a current lack of third-party supplied infrastructure for both electric and hydrogen vehicles” and it said “as little as seven strategically located hydrogen refuelling stations would be required to serve most HGV movements in the motorway distribution network”.
  5. STEM skilled workforce and training: STEM experts would “offer invaluable support with expertise spanning across R&D, engineering, design, and production – all elements that contribute to innovation, economic development, and a more secure future for hydrogen”, it said.

Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS commented: “This industry desperately needs clarity from the UK government on incentives to encourage the early adoption of hydrogen HGVs, alongside commitments to support the development of new H2 technology, green hydrogen infrastructure and revisions to regulations. 

“HGVs are the second largest contributors to UK transport emissions. Whilst they make up just 1.5% of all vehicles on our roads, they contribute a disproportionate 19% of all vehicle emissions. With their numbers increasing, their emissions are likely to increase. Our roadmap shows how the haulage industry can seamlessly move from fossil-fuelled fleets to green hydrogen HGVs, enabling the UK to remain competitive globally and ensuring climate change goals are met.” 

Image courtesy of HVS

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