Hydrogen power for heavy-duty vehicles is best when produced locally

A Chalmers University study finds that green hydrogen produced close to refuelling stations yields the lowest lifecycle CO2 for heavy-duty trucks, while blue hydrogen and long-distance transport can raise emissions.

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology examines hydrogen as a fuel for heavy-duty road transport and compares production, distribution and vehicle use. Heavy-duty vehicles currently account for a large share of oil use and transport-related CO2 emissions. The researchers modelled different supply-chain scenarios in Sweden and evaluated lifecycle impacts of technologies from production to truck materials. Their main conclusion is that green hydrogen produced locally gives the largest climate benefit and can support energy resilience. Key findings: - Heavy-duty road transport represents about one fifth of global oil consumption, and diesel trucks are a major source of transport CO2 in the EU. - Hydrogen does not emit CO2 when used in fuel cells, but lifecycle emissions depend on how hydrogen is produced, distributed and manufactured. - Green hydrogen, made by electrolysis using renewable electricity, shows the lowest lifecycle CO2, but its production requires precious metals such as iridium and platinum. - Blue hydrogen, produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage, can have higher climate impact in practice because not all CO2 is captured and methane leakage can occur during gas extraction and transport. - Producing hydrogen close to refuelling stations or at the station itself avoids long-distance transport losses associated with compression, liquefaction and evaporation. - Biomethane could be used to produce hydrogen with negative emissions in theory, but volumes are uncertain and the researchers note using biomethane directly in trucks may be more efficient. Summary: The study indicates that local production of green hydrogen for heavy-duty vehicles can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions and supports energy self-sufficiency. Undetermined at this time.