Report: Hydrogen Applications in Heavy-Duty Transportation
This study by the University of Groningen explores how hydrogen could contribute to decarbonising heavy-duty transportation in the Northern Netherlands. Developed in cooperation with Green Planet Pesse as HEAVENN Deliverable D6.8, the study examines hydrogen applications in heavy-duty road transport, inland shipping and rail.
The report assesses the potential benefits, barriers and infrastructure requirements for each transport mode and develops scenarios and roadmaps towards 2050.
Hydrogen for heavy-duty transport
Heavy-duty transport faces different challenges in the transition to low-carbon fuels than passenger vehicles. Long operating ranges, high energy demand and limited opportunities for direct electrification create potential applications for hydrogen.
The study examines the role of hydrogen in fuel-cell trucks, inland cargo ships and trains, while also considering the infrastructure needed to supply them. Across all three modes, high investment costs, limited availability of green hydrogen, uncertainty about future demand and regulatory barriers are identified as important challenges.
Developing a hydrogen refuelling network
For heavy-duty road transport, the study models hydrogen refuelling networks along the main highways of the Northern Netherlands. In its realistic scenario, the number of stations increases from 8 in 2030 to 12 in 2040 and 17 in 2050, alongside increasing fuel-cell truck adoption.
The study recommends starting with a limited number of relatively large stations, before expanding the network as hydrogen demand grows. It also highlights the importance of government support in the early stages of market development.
For inland shipping, the study examines hydrogen refuelling infrastructure along waterways between Rotterdam and Kiel. The proposed roadmap develops from five facilities in 2030 to nine stations in 2050, with fixed and fast-refuelling infrastructure becoming more relevant as demand increases.
For rail transport, the study investigates hydrogen as an option for non-electrified routes. The case study focuses on refuelling infrastructure in Groningen and Leeuwarden, with future hydrogen train deployment linked to the replacement of existing diesel trains.
From separate applications to shared infrastructure
The study concludes that hydrogen could contribute to decarbonising heavy-duty transport, but that adoption will depend on coordinated infrastructure investment, government support, lower costs and regulatory development.
It also recommends further research into combining refuelling networks for different transport modes. Shared infrastructure could help aggregate hydrogen demand and accelerate the development of refuelling networks.
By examining road, waterway and rail transport together, the study provides insights into how hydrogen infrastructure could develop alongside the transition of heavy-duty transport in the Northern Netherlands.
The full report contains detailed information on the three transport modes, including infrastructure scenarios, investment requirements, barriers and potential development pathways towards 2050.