As countries worldwide seek to lower their carbon emissions, many public and private initiatives are underway to expand the use of hydrogen fuel. Because it creates zero carbon emissions at the tailpipe and offers greater efficiency and operational benefits than many battery-electric alternatives, hydrogen fuel is a viable solution for many countries’ sustainability efforts. To showcase the many ways governments around the world are using hydrogen, we’ve rounded up some of the latest news on international hydrogen fuel programs.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses in India
In Delhi, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and Tata Motors announced plans to begin testing hydrogen fuel cell buses before the end of 2023. The testing will largely focus on the safety and roadworthiness of the buses. The companies are seeking government approval of routes and buses to begin the testing process. While this initial effort is privately funded, the companies expect the Indian government to supply funding for additional hydrogen bus testing in the near future. If the project is successful, testing will expand into other states within India.
Quebec Debuts Hydrogen Train
Recently, Alstom debuted the Coradia iLint in Quebec as the first hydrogen train in North America. The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells that utilize green hydrogen produced in Quebec City by Harnois Énergies. Results of this groundbreaking commercial transportation program will be analyzed by both Alstom and the Université due Québec à Trois-Rivières’s Hydrogen Research Institute to inform plans for additional hydrogen-powered rail transportation programs.
UK Funds Hydrogen-Powered Paper Production
The UK government has provided funding to Swedish-based Essity, a manufacturer of paper products, to begin testing of hydrogen fuel instead of natural gas as a means of powering its Skelmersdale paper mill. The project will use the mill’s existing machinery and switch part of the drying process from natural gas to hydrogen fuel. This could reduce the plant’s carbon emissions by up to 66%. If successful, additional Essity plants may convert to hydrogen fuel, further reducing the carbon impact of paper product manufacturing.
Green Hydrogen in Morocco
US-based VERDE HYDROGEN announced plans to develop a 2MW electrolyzer project in Morocco. The project will use VERDE’s containerized electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen. VERDE aims to finalize installation of the electrolyzer by early 2024. This project adds to current efforts throughout Africa to develop a green hydrogen infrastructure.
These are just a small sample of projects taking place across the globe. We are encouraged to see the continued development of new programs and initiatives to generate, utilize, and research hydrogen fuel. For reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency, hydrogen fuel has immense potential that deserves to be explored.
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