Green Planet Launches Hydrogen Demonstration Truck for Heavy-Duty Transport

The Green Planet hydrogen demonstration truck has officially been put into operation, marking another important step in accelerating hydrogen-powered heavy-duty transport in the Northern Netherlands.

The event began with a symbolic first journey as Alderman Jeroen Westendorp of the municipality of Hoogeveen, and BORK Groep drove the MAN hTGX hydrogen powered truck from Hoogeveen Town Hall to Green Planet in Pesse. Equipped with a trailer and heavy crawler crane, the truck arrived to a warm welcome from transport companies and industry professionals. The official launch was followed by a live hydrogen refuelling demonstration.

The remainder of the event focused on practical experience. Transport companies that had operated the MAN hTGX for a week shared their first-hand insights, providing valuable feedback on the performance of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles in daily operations.

Together with MAN dealers, TVM, public authorities and funding organisations, participants discussed several key topics, including:

• The operational potential of hydrogen for heavy-duty transport;
• The differences between hydrogen, diesel and battery-electric trucks;
• The availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure;
• The economic viability of hydrogen-powered transport; and
• The pathway from pilot projects to large-scale deployment.

Demonstration projects such as this are essential for building practical experience, validating technology in real-world conditions and bringing together the partners needed to scale up hydrogen mobility.