Hydrogen Mobility in Europe. Overview and main organizations
Hydrogen Mobility in Europe. Overview and main organizations
Hydrogen is increasingly being seen as a promising fuel option for decarbonizing urban mobility in Europe, as it offers the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. Hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as buses and cars, are already being deployed in several European cities, and their use is expected to increase in the coming years.
Use Cases
One prominent use case for hydrogen in urban mobility is public transportation, particularly bus fleets. Hydrogen fuel cell buses are already operating in several European cities, such as Hamburg, London, and Paris. Compared to conventional diesel buses, hydrogen buses offer several advantages, including lower emissions, lower noise levels, and longer range. However, the adoption of hydrogen buses requires significant investment in both the vehicles and the necessary refueling infrastructure, which can be a challenge for many cities.
Another use case for hydrogen in urban mobility is light-duty vehicles, such as cars and vans. While the uptake of hydrogen cars in Europe has been slower than in other regions such as Japan and California, several European car manufacturers are developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. The main advantage of hydrogen cars is their long range and quick refueling times, which make them a viable option for longer trips.
Value chain and stakeholders
In terms of the implications for the value chain and stakeholders, the adoption of hydrogen vehicles in urban mobility is expected to have significant impacts on several sectors. This includes the automotive industry, which will need to invest in research and development to produce more efficient and affordable hydrogen vehicles. It also includes the energy sector, which will need to invest in the production and distribution of hydrogen fuel. In addition, the deployment of hydrogen vehicles will require collaboration between public and private stakeholders, including governments, vehicle manufacturers, energy companies, and infrastructure providers.
Environmental and social benefits
The adoption of hydrogen vehicles in European cities is expected to have several environmental and social benefits. Firstly, hydrogen-powered vehicles produce zero emissions at the tailpipe, which can significantly reduce local air pollution. Secondly, the use of hydrogen as a fuel can help to reduce Europe's dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy security. Finally, the deployment of hydrogen vehicles can create new jobs and economic opportunities in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Vehicle innovation
In terms of competitiveness and vehicle innovation, Europe has a strong position in the development of hydrogen technologies. Many European countries are investing in the research and development of hydrogen fuel cell technology, and several European car manufacturers are developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. However, there is still a need for further investment in research and development to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of hydrogen technologies.
Refueling infrastructure
One of the main bottlenecks for the broader deployment of hydrogen vehicles in European cities is the lack of refueling infrastructure. Hydrogen fueling stations are still relatively scarce in many European cities, which can limit the adoption of hydrogen vehicles. In addition, there are regulatory and societal barriers that need to be addressed, such as safety regulations, public awareness and acceptance of the technology, and the need for supportive policies and incentives.
Implications in hydrogen buses
Finally, the adoption of hydrogen buses in European cities will have implications for route and infrastructure planning at the city level. Hydrogen buses require specific refueling infrastructure, which may need to be installed along the bus routes. In addition, the deployment of hydrogen buses may require changes to the existing public transportation network, such as modifications to bus depots and maintenance facilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the adoption of hydrogen in urban mobility offers significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in European cities. However, the deployment of hydrogen vehicles requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including the automotive industry, energy sector, and infrastructure providers. Addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of hydrogen vehicles in urban mobility will require supportive policies, public awareness, and investment in research and development.
Main Organizations
Below you can find main the organizations, as sources of information to know more.
Hydrogen Europe is the European association representing the interest of the hydrogen industry and its stakeholders and promoting hydrogen as an enabler of a zero-emission society, with more than 400+ members, including 25+ EU regions and 30+ national associations.
Hydrogen Council is a global CEO-led initiative of 132 leading energy, transport, industry, and investment companies with a united and long-term vision to develop the hydrogen economy.
https://hydrogencouncil.com/en/
Clean Hydrogen Partnership (as per its legal name Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking) is a unique public-private partnership supporting research and innovation (R&I) activities in hydrogen technologies in Europe. The three members are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by Hydrogen Europe, and the research community represented by Hydrogen Europe Research.
https://www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/index_en
European Clean Hydrogen Alliance aims to promote investments and stimulate clean hydrogen production and use. It is part of the EU’s efforts to ensure industrial leadership and accelerate the decarbonisation of industry in line with climate change objectives.
Hydrogen Europe Research is a research community organization from Europe.
https://hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu/
Country/Regional Hydrogen Associations in Europe like BH2C (Basque Hydrogen Corridor), Spanish Hydrogen Association, H2.B (The Hydrogen Alliance Bavaria), NWBA (Dutch Hydrogen Association), NETP (The Netherlands Energy Technology Platform), NVDE (Dutch association for renewable energy), France Hydrogène (French Hydrogen Association), Taskforce Hydrogène (France), DWV (German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association), Hydrogen UK (UK), H2IT (Italian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association), NHF (The Norwegian Hydrogen Forum), AP2H2 (Portuguese Association for the Promotion of Hydrogen), SHFCA (Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association), AEH2 (Spanish Hydrogen Association), Swedish Hydrogen Forum, Hydropole (Swiss Hydrogen Association), UK HFCA (UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association), RenewableUK (UK), WaterstofNet (Hydrogen Net-Flanders-Netherlands),
European consultancy, automobile, truck, and train manufacturer companies like E4tech, HYVIA (Renault), BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Bosch, Stellantis (Citroën), Opel, Peugeot, IVECO, Daimler, Volvo, VDL, E-Trucks Europe, Proton Motor, Nikola-E.ON Hydrogen, Alstom.
Energy Hydrogen Alliance is a network of active experts working together to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure across Europe.
Sustainable Energy Council is a world-leading advisory, events, and training producer for a cleaner and more sustainable world.
https://www.sustainableenergycouncil.com/
HyLaw stands for Hydrogen Law and removal of legal barriers to the deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen applications. The project brings together 23 partners across Europe and is coordinated by Hydrogen Europe.
International Energy Agency (IEA) provides policy recommendations, analysis, and data on the entire global energy sector. The 31 member countries and 11 association countries of the IEA represent 75% of global energy demand.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization mandated to facilitate cooperation, advance knowledge, and promote the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy.
International Association of Hydrogen Energy (IAHE) is a non-profit organization that aims to advance the utilization of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier. It provides a platform for researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts to exchange knowledge, ideas, and information on hydrogen energy and its applications.
