According to the UK Hydrogen Strategy, hydrogen is expected to fulfill 20-35% of the UK’s final energy demand (250-460 TWh annually) by 2050 to meet Net Zero targets. Hydrogen is vital for decarbonising industry, power, heat, and transport.
However, a recent report by the UK Hydrogen Champion highlighted the need for clearer policy decisions for hydrogen users, funding availability, and the overall delivery of the hydrogen roadmap to 2030 and beyond. Is the UK fully capitalizing on hydrogen opportunities?
Tevva’s focus—transport—will be essential in achieving the country’s decarbonisation goals. Globally, trucks contribute about a fifth of CO2 emissions, and both McKinsey and the Hydrogen Council believe hydrogen is most effective in decarbonising trucks.
To reduce CO2 emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, trucks with batteries or hydrogen fuel cells must dominate new sales by 2040. Yet, only around 700 battery or fuel cell trucks were sold in Europe last year, representing just 0.2% of the total market.
Fortunately, the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric and hydrogen trucks is improving rapidly. With diesel truck prices set to rise due to Euro 7 regulations, electrification in this sector could occur sooner than anticipated.
Nevertheless, challenges remain, including the lack of hydrogen refuelling stations and fleet operators’ inexperience with hydrogen. Additionally, many hydrogen suppliers lack experience with truck fleets.
As a pioneer in hydrogen technology, Tevva is demonstrating the potential of hydrogen-electric trucks. Last year, we showcased our prototype 7.5t and 19t hydrogen-electric trucks at the IAA in Hanover, generating important interest.
In January, we tested the 7.5t prototype on a ‘border run’ to Berwick-on-Tweed, England’s northernmost town. We refuelled at an Element 2 station in Teesside, covering almost 350 miles on the return journey without stopping, thanks to the truck’s hydrogen fuel cell, which supplements the lithium battery as needed.
However, there is an urgent need to expand the hydrogen refuelling network in the UK. The scalability and speed of these systems are crucial for adoption while keeping costs manageable. Element 2 is leading efforts by establishing a network with stations 100 miles apart, providing assurance to haulage companies considering hydrogen-electric trucks.
Currently, the UK has developing Megawatt (MW)-scale hydrogen activities and ambitious plans for Gigawatt (GW)-scale low carbon hydrogen clusters by 2030. Learning from Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as the UK’s experiences, coordinated efforts are necessary to minimize costs and maximize hydrogen infrastructure benefits.
The UK has a supportive and expanding hydrogen ecosystem, with many public bodies, companies, universities, and others building hydrogen capabilities and strategies. However, the experience and collaboration levels for hydrogen systems are seriously lower than for traditional fossil fuel systems.
Early adopters need more short-term support to overcome limited infrastructure, supply chain complications, higher costs, and uncertain lead times for hydrogen products and services.
As low-carbon hydrogen becomes more affordable and accessible, hydrogen refuelling could become as straightforward as diesel refuelling is today. Tevva is dedicated to making hydrogen convenient, affordable, and sustainable for truck fleet operators. Achieving the UK’s net zero goals depends on it.