hydrogen
Newsletter
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Truck makers face tough choices on hydrogen and battery options
Truck manufacturers are under pressure to cut emissions, but there's no clear winner between battery-powered and hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
In short:
- Heavy-duty trucks make up 28% of transport emissions in Europe, pushing manufacturers to explore zero-emission alternatives.
- Batteries have advanced in efficiency and cost, making them the preferred option, though hydrogen offers better range and weight advantages.
- Battery electric trucks are more cost-effective, while hydrogen trucks, despite higher fuel costs, are better suited for heavier loads.
Key quote:
"There were many preconceived notions about what batteries could do. They were too expensive, too heavy, too big. But what has happened in the last few years is mind-boggling."
— Felipe Rodriguez, director, Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program, ICCT.
Why this matters:
The truck industry’s move towards cleaner energy will shape global emissions. Choosing the right technology now could reduce long-term environmental damage while keeping costs manageable.
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California's first hydrogen-powered train brings clean energy to rail travel
The Zero-Emission Multiple Unit, a hydrogen-powered passenger train, will soon operate in Southern California, marking a significant step toward clean energy in U.S. rail travel.
In short:
- The Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (Zemu), the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S., will run in Southern California, reducing emissions in a heavily polluted region.
- The train's hybrid system uses hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, producing only water vapor as a byproduct.
- California plans further investment in hydrogen-powered transport to meet future carbon-neutrality goals.
Key quote:
“What we have done with Zemu is transformational. The development of the train has solidified SBCTA’s place as an innovator in clean passenger rail here in the Inland Empire, throughout the state and the nation.”
— Ray Marquez, president of the San Bernardino County Transit Authority
Why this matters:
Hydrogen-powered trains offer a promising alternative to diesel, reducing air pollution in communities near rail corridors. Expanding this technology could significantly lower transportation-related emissions nationwide.
Related: California faces challenges with hydrogen energy plan
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Politicians and businesses meet in Namibia to discuss hydrogen's role in green energy
African leaders and international investors are gathering in Namibia to explore hydrogen's potential in driving the continent’s green energy future, despite challenges related to cost and infrastructure.
In short:
- Namibia's three-day summit aims to attract investment in hydrogen, positioning it as a key player in Africa's green industrial revolution.
- Green hydrogen, though promising, remains costly and currently represents less than 1% of global production.
- Expanding renewable energy sources and infrastructure is crucial for hydrogen to become a viable fossil fuel alternative.
Why this matters:
Hydrogen could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but its high production costs and the need for new infrastructure pose significant challenges.
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Credit: Jordan González/Unsplash+
SoCalGas plans hydrogen blending test in Orange Cove
Southern California Gas Co. aims to blend hydrogen into the gas lines of Orange Cove, a predominantly Latino community, to lower greenhouse gas emissions after wealthier areas rejected the plan.
In short:
- SoCalGas will test a hydrogen-natural gas blend in Orange Cove to reduce climate emissions, involving low-income farmworker residents.
- Risks include increased nitrogen oxide pollution and hydrogen leaks, with monitoring planned to mitigate dangers.
- Critics argue the experiment offers minimal climate benefits and exploits a vulnerable community.
Key quote:
“Disengagement creates a breeding ground where things like this happen, where people don’t know there is a hydrogen blending plant planned for the community.”
— Genoveva Islas, founder and executive director of Cultiva la Salud
Why this matters:
Hydrogen blending is part of California's strategy to cut emissions, but the project raises concerns about safety and fairness in using disadvantaged communities for environmental experiments. Critics argue that the benefits may not justify the risks and that more effective emission reduction methods exist.
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Credit: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
Biden's hydrogen plan hits transport obstacles
President Biden's $7 billion clean hydrogen initiative faces significant challenges due to unclear regulations on transporting hydrogen fuel, potentially stalling the administration's emission reduction goals.
In short:
- Transporting hydrogen efficiently requires a mix of trucks, existing natural gas pipelines, and new infrastructure, but regulatory gaps and safety concerns pose hurdles.
- There is no federal authority to permit interstate hydrogen pipelines, and many states lack specific regulations for intrastate transport.
- Industry experts emphasize the need for urgent infrastructure planning to meet the administration's hydrogen production targets.
Key quote:
" ... we need to figure out where we’re going to end up using hydrogen because that’ll have a huge impact on to what degree we want to rely on building pipes.”
— Dan Esposito, senior hydrogen policy analyst for climate research firm Energy Innovation
Why this matters:
Hydrogen, often touted as a cornerstone of a future clean energy economy, offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels, especially for sectors like heavy industry and transportation. However, the infrastructure needed to safely and efficiently transport hydrogen is still in its infancy. Without clear and consistent regulations, the development of necessary pipelines, storage facilities, and transportation networks remains sluggish.
Be sure to read: Hydrogen industry growth lags behind U.S. climate targets
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Credit: Ethan Wright-Magoon/Unsplash
Hydrogen energy projects set to transform New Mexico
Plans for hydrogen production, transportation, and power generation are emerging across New Mexico, raising environmental and economic concerns.
In short:
- Tallgrass Energy is leading multiple hydrogen-related projects in New Mexico, including converting a coal plant and constructing a hydrogen pipeline across the Navajo Nation.
- The production of hydrogen, especially from natural gas, raises environmental issues due to carbon dioxide emissions and methane leaks.
- Critics argue that the projects may not bring the promised economic benefits to the Navajo Nation and could lead to further environmental degradation.
Key quote:
"How companies choose to produce that hydrogen will fundamentally be a business decision they must make. Our greatest opportunity as a state is producing hydrogen from a range of feedstocks."
— Michael Coleman, director of communications to Gov. Lujan Grisham
Why this matters:
New Mexico’s vast open spaces and abundant sunshine make it an ideal candidate for green hydrogen production, which relies on renewable energy to split water molecules. This method produces no carbon emissions, positioning it as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, most hydrogen production currently relies on natural gas, leading to significant carbon emissions and questions about the true environmental benefits.
Read more about hydrogen technology: Rethinking Pennsylvania's hydrogen hub and its public backlash
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Plans for hydrogen refueling stations in Alberta face low vehicle demand and unproven net-zero claims
Air Products aims to build a network of hydrogen refueling stations between Calgary and Edmonton, but interest in hydrogen-powered vehicles and net-zero technology remains low.
In short:
- Air Products plans a "hydrogen highway" with multiple refueling stations along Alberta's Queen Elizabeth II highway.
- The network could refuel up to 200 heavy trucks or 2,000 cars daily, though the exact number of stations and their costs are unspecified.
- Current hydrogen technology and demand for hydrogen vehicles are unproven and limited, with low sales in Canada and the U.S.
Key quote:
“Hydrogen must, and will, play a role in solving the climate crisis.”
— Eric Guter, vice president of hydrogen for mobility, Air Products
Why this matters:
Despite promises of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, the production process still emits significant greenhouse gases. In addition, hydrogen vehicles have yet to capture the imagination of the mainstream consumer. The reasons are manifold: high costs, limited availability of hydrogen cars, and a nascent refueling infrastructure that pales in comparison to the well-established network for electric vehicles.
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