Technology roadmap for hydrogen-fuelled transportation in the UK

Abstract

Transportation is the sector responsible for the largest greenhouse gas emission in the UK. To mitigate its impact on the environment and move towards net-zero emissions by 2050, hydrogen-fuelled transportation has been explored through research and development as well as trials. This article presents an overview of relevant technologies and issues that challenge the supply, use and marketability of hydrogen for transportation application in the UK, covering on-road, aviation, maritime and rail transportation modes. The current development statutes of the different transportation modes were reviewed and compared, highlighting similarities and differences in fuel cells, internal combustion engines, storage technologies, supply chains and refuelling characteristics. In addition, common and specific future research needs in the short to long term for the different transportation modes were suggested. The findings showed the potential of using hydrogen in all transportation modes, although each sector faces different challenges and requires future improvements in performance and cost, development of innovative designs, refuelling stations, standards and codes, regulations and policies to support the advancement of the use of hydrogen.