Electrolysis at point of generation ‘key to cheap hydrogen’

The key to hydrogen’s success as a road fuel lies in producing it using surplus renewable electricity at the point of generation, according to David Telford, chief scientific officer of fuel cell truck start-up HVS.

Speaking to Transport Operator at the Microlise Transport Conference, Mr Telford pointed out that those dismissing hydrogen as too expensive to use as a road fuel were assuming it would be generated using electricity drawn from the national grid close to the refuelling point.

He pointed out that the variable and unpredictable of nature of wind generation meant that individual wind farms often produced more electricity than the grid could take in their locality.

This could easily be diverted into hydrogen electrolysers on-site, and the resultant gas transported either by pipe or tanker to filling stations.

“This electricity, which would otherwise be wasted, will cost about one-tenth of grid electricity,” he pointed out. “That turns the cost argument on its head.”

HVS showed its lightweight MCV hydrogen fuel cell truck at the Microlise Transport Conference along with the heavy-duty tractor unit shown at the Commercial Vehicle Show earlier this year.

Mr Telford explained that the lighter vehicle had actually been developed ahead of the tractor to prove the technology, but the heavier vehicle would be first to market as it was easier to amortise the research and development costs with a large truck.

The MCV is designed for operation at gross weights from 5.5 to 7.5 tonnes, has a range of up to 300 miles and a refuelling time of 12 – 15 minutes.