Nel's hydrogen solutions eliminate transport emissions

The transport sector accounts for about 15 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. In an effort to address this, the sector is moving towards electrification and zero-emission goals.

However, despite rapid developments in electrification of transport over the last few years, fossil fuels still have over a 99 per cent market share. The world needs a new, effective, clean energy carrier to replace petrol and diesel fuel in light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

Hydrogen is the world’s most flexible energy carrier, with the potential to decarbonise all modes of transport. It can be used just like conventional fossil fuels, with the same convenience, refuelling speed and long-range capabilities.

Over the course of the past 15 years, Nel Hydrogen has developed and refined the H2Station® hydrogen refuelling solution. The station can dispense hydrogen at the same capacity as a conventional petrol station. Moreover, the user interface is more compact and elegant, and payment for fuelling can be done with a smartphone.

The H2Station® is modular and space-efficient, with a compact dispenser that is one third the size of a conventional petrol dispenser, making it easy to integrate into existing fuelling stations.

Moreover, the station unit is standardised, enabling more efficient and streamlined installation. In addition, it is also EC and UL certified, offering transparency on implemented safety measures

The peak rush-hour capacity of the H2Station is up to 100 kg in three hours, allowing scaling of capacity as demand grows. Storage can be customised to a fuelling demand of up to 500 kg per day for cars and up to 1 500 kg per day for buses and trucks. It is possible to fuel both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles at the same station.

Globally, petroleum and other liquid fuels are the dominant source for transportation energy. The demand for fuel from the sector is enormous considering both passenger and commercial transport depend on it. The traditional fossil fuel market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 2 per cent in the period 2018–2024.

While battery technology is well on its to replacing petrol for light-duty vehicles, hydrogen is the most promising replacement for diesel fuel for heavy-duty vehicles.

As of 2019, Nel Hydrogen has delivered more than 50 hydrogen stations to nine countries across three continents. Its recently opened H2Station® manufacturing plant has a capacity of 300 stations per year.