Among the recipients of this substantial investment is PD Ports in Teesside, which plans to integrate hydrogen to replace diesel in its vehicle fleet. This move is part of a broader initiative to shift heavy-duty transport within the freight sector towards cleaner fuels, contributing to environmental sustainability and supporting national net-zero objectives by 2026.
The government’s endorsement of hydrogen blending in specific scenarios holds potential significance for the freight sector. While operational details are pending safety assessments, the blending of hydrogen with other gases in distribution networks emerges as a potential option for the road freight industry. If implemented, this approach could have cost implications in the hydrogen sector and present an alternative fuel source for road freight logistics.
Key figures in the freight sector have expressed approval for the government’s backing. The focus on hydrogen adoption in port operations and the exploration of hydrogen blending in distribution networks offer transformative possibilities for road freight logistics. Industry experts underscore the importance of collaborative efforts to harness the opportunities arising from the government’s hydrogen investment.
In addition to the new hydrogen production projects, the UK government is also planning to launch a second round of funding for hydrogen production projects. This round of funding will have the aim of supporting up to 875MW of capacity.
Photo credits @ Mick Garratt / Container Terminal, Teesport / CC BY-SA 2.0