The Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) has launched a new report calling for a broader approach to decarbonising the UK’s land transport sector.
The study, called Hydrogen’s role in Land Transport Decarbonisation, sets out the case for hydrogen across road, rail and off-road transport applications where electrified options do not meet operational or commercial requirements.
It argues hydrogen should be deployed alongside battery-electric technologies, where it offers the greatest operational and commercial advantages.
The study draws on ten case studies showing how hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of heavy goods vehicles, commercial fleets, construction equipment, specialist rail operations and other demanding transport applications.
It argues that adopting a multiple-technology approach would help reduce infrastructure and delivery risks, support the UK’s energy security, and unlock significant economic opportunities.
In addition, it warns the UK risks falling behind countries including in the EU, where hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is being deployed along key transport corridors.
The HEA is calling on the UK Government to:
- Adopt a broader, multiple-technology approach to land transport decarbonisation that recognises hydrogen’s role alongside battery-electric technologies;
- Introduce a coordinated policy framework to stimulate both hydrogen vehicle deployment and refuelling infrastructure simultaneously;
- Ensure hydrogen is fully reflected in future transport and hydrogen strategies across the Department for Transport, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade; and
- Explicitly include hydrogen internal combustion engines (H₂-ICE) within the Zero Emission Vehicle framework, in line with EU classification.
The study also highlights the economic opportunity presented by hydrogen technologies. Securing a 10% share of the global hydrogen technology market by 2050 could contribute £46 billion annually to the UK economy and support more than 410,000 jobs.
Amanda Lyne, Chair of the HEA’s Land Transport Working Group and Managing Director of ULEMCo, said:
“The UK has a real opportunity to lead in hydrogen for land transport, but we are at risk of falling behind countries that are already investing in the refuelling infrastructure and policy needed to support its deployment.
“This report makes clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonising land transport. Battery-electric technologies have an important role to play, but so does hydrogen. Different applications require different solutions, and for many road, rail and off-road use cases hydrogen offers clear operational and commercial advantages.
“The case studies featured in this report, such as Air Products’ Metrobus Refuelling Station and National Gas’ fleet decarbonisation, demonstrate both the scale of the decarbonisation challenge and the practical role hydrogen can play in addressing it. They show why giving operators a choice of technologies is so important, enabling them to adopt the solution that best meets their operational and commercial needs.
“We hope this report will support ongoing collaboration between industry and the Government to ensure future policy reflects the full range of technologies available.”
Image courtesy of the HEA
