Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted
Paragraph: 101
Whilst there is lower round-trip efficiency compared to electrification, hydrogen vehicles have the advantage of...
Conclusion
Whilst there is lower round-trip efficiency compared to electrification, hydrogen vehicles have the advantage of shorter refuelling times and longer ranges. This therefore makes hydrogen a potentially viable alternative to electrification for HGVs, but widespread adoption of hydrogen in HGVs can only be achieved with an The role of hydrogen in achieving Net Zero 73 assurance that hydrogen will be widely available across the country. Whilst other countries have given commitments to hydrogen refuelling stations, the UK has been more reticent to date. More trials for heavy goods vehicles, beyond those already announced and forthcoming as part of the Zero Emission Road Freight demonstration programme, need to take place in the next five years to ensure that a firm decision can be made on the role of hydrogen in HGVs in time to develop the infrastructure needed to deliver carbon emission reductions. Trials could be localised to minimise the initial infrastructure requirements. Any early adoption of hydrogen HGVs is likely to require subsidy by the Government to overcome the higher cost for the operators.
Government Response Summary
The government states the Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrator (ZERFD) programme intends to put hundreds of zero emission heavy good vehicles into operation with supporting refuelling infrastructure and that a Freight Energy Forum will assess the freight sector's future energy and fuel needs.
Paragraph Reference:
101
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrator (ZERFD) programme is intended to put hundreds of zero emission heavy good vehicles into operations on UK roads, alongside providing the relevant refuelling infrastructure to support them. The programme is intended to provide confidence to industry to invest in zero emission HGVs, create an evidence base on the use of different technologies in different use cases and provide private investors with the clarity needed to invest in new infrastructure. Multiple industry partners have expressed an interest to expand on the demonstrations funded as part of ZERFD by expanding the use of zero emission HGVs within their own fleets. All vehicles and associated infrastructure are due to be deployed by March 2025. The Future of Freight Plan made a commitment to collectively assess the whole freight sector’s future energy and fuel needs through a Freight Energy Forum, through which government intends to convene industry stakeholders to develop a plan for infrastructure delivery. The government remains neutral on which technology may be best placed to decarbonise the UK’s road freight fleet.