The Great Hydrogen Debate: The Future of Long-Haul Trucking

Is green hydrogen worth it as a fuel to use for long-haul trucking? What do experts suggest in this matter?

Here’s an article posted in The Driven that talks about an existing Green Hydrogen debate over its cost and efficiency.

According to the article,

Hydrogen for long-distance trucking is a topic of debate among experts.
UK-based hydrogen expert David Cebon is skeptical about the practicality of using green hydrogen to “green up” long-distance trucking due to cost and energy efficiency concerns.
Some experts highlight the potential for hydrogen to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and improve the uptime potential for trucks.

So why should we give hydrogen a chance? Here are a few points that can make us think on this side:

Energy Density and Range:
- Hydrogen’s high energy density and extended range make it a more practical option for long-distance hauls, especially when compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with limited ranges.
Infrastructure Development:
- Governments and private entities are actively investing in the development of hydrogen infrastructure, including refueling stations, to support the growth of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Technological Advancements:
- Ongoing research and development in hydrogen fuel cell technology are improving efficiency and reducing costs, making hydrogen a more competitive option.
Cost Reduction:
- Economies of scale and technological advancements could lead to reduced production costs for hydrogen, making it a more economically viable option for long-distance transport.
Environmental Benefits:
- Hydrogen-powered vehicles emit only water vapor and heat, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Alternative Production Methods:
- New methods like electrolysis using renewable energy sources can produce green hydrogen, which is a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional methods like steam methane reforming.
Novel Storage and Transportation Methods:
- Researchers are exploring innovative methods like liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) to reduce the cost and complexity of transporting hydrogen, making it a more practical option for long-haul trucking.

So the million-dollar question of whether hydrogen can be used in this sector or not is still a matter of discussion among experts. With research going on in full swing around the world, only time will solve this dilemma that has been in our minds throughout the decades for this precious resource.