A road transport network for hydrogen in the UK would be best supplied by compressed gas distributed in trailers, according to a joint study by BP and industrial gases firm BOC.

Over the longer term, a liquid hydrogen distribution network will start to play a greater role as the network expands.

“If we are to meet net-zero targets, tackling road freight emissions needs to happen now. This study shows us the optimal ways in which hydrogen can be used to help decarbonise the UK freight sector,” says Jim Mercer, president of BOC UK & Ireland.

Most vehicle manufacturers use compressed gaseous hydrogen, but some firms are beginning to develop liquid hydrogen infrastructure.

“If we are to meet net-zero targets, tackling road freight emissions needs to happen now” Mercer, BOC

Industrial gases firm Air Liquide is developing the largest liquefaction plant dedicated to mobility markets in California. The plant will produce 30t/d of liquid hydrogen.

Industry bodies such as the European Automobile Manufacturers Association are calling for the simultaneous development of liquid and gaseous hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in Europe.

Growing network

BP has previously announced plans with trucking firm Daimler to develop a network of up to 25 hydrogen refuelling stations by 2030. The stations could be supplied by BP’s H2Teesside and Hygreen Teesside projects, which would amount to a total of 1.5GW of hydrogen production.

BOC is collaborating with BP on the best way to design and deploy that network.

“Cutting HGV emissions requires new infrastructure, and by bringing together our technical expertise, understanding of the supply chain and insights from our customers, I am confident that together we can do more to drive change at pace for our customers,” says Richard Harding, senior vice-president for portfolio & integration at BP.

Unlike the EU, which is proposing in current legislation to have a hydrogen refuelling station every 150km for compressed hydrogen and every 450km for liquefied hydrogen, the UK hydrogen strategy does not set a deployment target for hydrogen refuelling stations.

But the government has invested £20mn ($24.1mn) in trials for electric road system and hydrogen fuel-cell HGVs to establish the feasibility, deliverability, costs and benefits of the technologies.

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Author: Tom Young