The Scottish-based company Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has unveiled a five-point plan outlining the key steps required to realise the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered HGVs. This is a call to action to drive the transition to a hydrogen economy. The plan calls for detailed timescales, policy incentives, green hydrogen production subsidies, infrastructure development commitments, and workforce training support to accelerate decarbonization and achieve net-zero targets in the goods delivery sector.

HVS’ five-point plan:

1 – Incentives

Incentives from the government could help bridging the gap between Diesel and hydrogen-powered vehicles. According to HVS, “The industry is very close to achieving cost parity with Diesel and a relatively small package of measures will be sufficient to reduce uncertainty and drive the necessary transition.”

2 – Legislation and regulatory framework changes

Governments must commit to ambitious carbon reduction targets and phase-out dates for diesel-powered heavy trucks to prevent locking in carbon emissions. Urgent revisions to hydrogen transportation regulations are necessary to accommodate increased capacities and facilitate delivery at larger scales.

3. Green hydrogen production 

HVS urges the UK Government to increase support for renewable energy production, particularly in green hydrogen. This would drive down the TCO* for hydrogen-powered HGVs and accelerate their adoption. In turn, this would lead to significant carbon emission reductions. Tax and support regimes are critical in achieving this transition and making renewable hydrogen competitive with Diesel.

4. Infrastructure  

HVS aims to address the lack of infrastructure for electric and hydrogen vehicles by establishing strategically located, initially mobile, hydrogen refuelling stations to serve HGV movements in the UK logistics road network, with potential for future expansion to fixed structures.

5. STEM skilled workforce and training  

HVS emphasizes investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to foster collaboration and promote R&D initiatives for hydrogen innovation. Specialized training and education programs are crucial for establishing a skilled workforce capable of manufacturing and maintaining hydrogen-electric vehicles, contributing to economic development and a more secure future for hydrogen transportation.

For further information about the 5 points above, click here.

*TCO: Total Cost of Ownership

Do you want to learn more about Hydrogen Vehicle Systems? Then our latest article about the company should interest you. You can read it here.