Hydrogen Mobility Europe project successfully concludes initiative advancing hydrogen mobility in Europe

The project has supported 49 hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) and >1400 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), up to a third of all HRS and FCEVs deployed in Europe to date. The initiative, supported by funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (formerly Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking), has brought together action in nine European countries. It tested the innovations required to bring hydrogen mobility sector closer to readiness for market. The project successfully performed a large-scale market test of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, passenger and commercial FCEVs operated in real-world customer applications. It further demonstrated the possible system benefits generated by using electrolytic hydrogen solutions in grid operations. H2ME 2 (2016 – 2023) is the natural successor to the Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME 1) project (2015 – 2020). Taken in conjunction, the H2ME 1 & 2 projects are the most ambitious coordinated hydrogen deployment projects attempted in Europe to date. The deployments intended to test and develop the European hydrogen market and performance of the technology, prove technologies at scale and apply learning to overcome some of the barriers to more widespread application.

The H2ME project, through its various actions, has demonstrated the potential for FCEVs as a green mobility solution, by proving the reliability of FCEVs, and identifying niches where they complement battery electric vehicles (BEVs). For instance, taxis where fast refuelling and long-range are important to an efficient business model and in other intensive applications such as commercial fleets. Though the focus on hydrogen in mobility applications has shifted to heavy-duty applications in recent years, the project has established that there will still be use cases for light-duty hydrogen mobility in Europe. The upcoming launches of fuel cell vans by major European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) signal potential for the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in light commercial vehicles.

Furthermore, H2ME has demonstrated the feasibility of a scalable hydrogen supply infrastructure, with an emphasis on electrolytic hydrogen production from renewable sources. While more work is needed to establish a satisfactory hydrogen refuelling network across Europe, the project has generated valuable learnings and advancements in technical expertise, which will impact future deployments by infrastructure providers. This in turn could augment green job creation, energy security, and CO₂ reductions. Prior to H2ME, the European FCEV market was still in its early stages, but now, with increased deployment and expanding fleets, including taxis and vans, H2ME has played a pivotal role in catalysing broader activity across various vehicle segments, marking a significant shift in hydrogen mobility adoption. Vehicles reporting data to H2ME have driven >40 million km, with one reporting a range of 650 km on a single refuel. A total of 12 different models of FCEV have been deployed through H2ME. HRS reporting data to H2ME have dispensed 917 000 kg of hydrogen in 361 000 refuelling events.

Hydrogen mobility has performed well in localised HRS networks in metropolitan centres such as Paris, Berlin and the Hague. However, emerging national networks confront underutilisation challenges. To commercialise hydrogen mobility and to prepare for the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulations (AFIR) implementation, it is essential to increase demand for these HRS, particularly from heavy vehicles which is expected to ramp up from 2025. National governments can support the sector by providing incentives to offset the higher costs associated with hydrogen mobility. Additionally, fuel credits for renewable hydrogen and the equitable treatment of hydrogen options in transport policies are imperative for fostering growth. National governments have a critical role to play in removing barriers by integrating hydrogen into transport strategies and updating regulations to promote hydrogen mobility effectively alongside BEVs.

Toyota's announcement of 500 fuel cell Mirai vehicles for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games official fleet demonstrates the bold ambitions for hydrogen mobility in Europe. Powered by hydrogen from renewable resources from Air Liquide, these vehicles exemplify Toyota's multi-path approach to decarbonisation, offering a range of zero and low-emission vehicles. Additionally, as part of the French authorities' 'PRM Parisian taxi licences' scheme, Stellantis and Hype plan to deploy 1000 wheelchair-accessible hydrogen taxis by the end of 2024 in Paris, the first 50 of these have already been deployed under the H2ME2 project. These collaborations underscore the potential of fuel cell technology in a carbon-neutral society.

The culmination of the H2ME project highlights both strides made and persistent barriers hindering further adoption of FCEVs, and HRS and shines light on the future state of the hydrogen sector. Challenges including the scarcity of refuelling infrastructure, permitting bottlenecks, limited vehicle offerings from OEMs, high costs when compared to BEVs, low levels of utilisation of existing HRS, and regulatory uncertainties persist and need to be addressed.

Recommendations derived from stakeholder insights and project analyses emphasise the imperative for scale to drive down costs, sustained financial support for the roll-out of FCEVs and HRS, consistent policy frameworks, and clear market signals to instil OEM confidence in scaling production. Furthermore, calls are made for strategic HRS deployment plans to prepare for AFIR, enhanced equipment reliability, and designs tailored to high utilisation to meet fleet expectations effectively. These insights demonstrate the ongoing need for collaborative efforts and sustained financial support beyond the H2ME project to overcome barriers and propel the widespread adoption of hydrogen mobility solutions to decarbonise transport across Europe.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/25042024/hydrogen-mobility-europe-project-successfully-concludes-initiative-advancing-hydrogen-mobility-in-europe/