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Hydrogen for transport: An expanding transportation fuel network

The vision of hydrogen-powered mobility is compelling: Mass market hydrogen vehicles with a built-in power plant that matches the range of combustion engines, are more efficient, and emit only water vapor. Governments and local authorities are being called on not only to expand existing public rail and road infrastructure but to support transportation advances with sustainable mobility options. This also means reducing the environmental impact – and greenhouse emissions in particular – of diverse mobility options.

• Passenger vehicles - 13 states now mandate zero emission vehicles. The vehicle fueling infrastructure is growing and today there are more than 50 hydrogen refueling stations in operation across the U.S. Evolving national and state-level government support and ongoing negotiations to address the needs of the transportation market are in play.
• Buses - 48 hydrogen fuel cell buses are on the road in California today. Electric buses can be easily retrofitted to use hydrogen fuel cells. A growing number of fuel cell demonstrations are in the planning stages across the United States.
• Trucks - are supported by partnerships in the industry for continued development of hydrogen-based energy. Utilization of the existing infrastructure is helping to promote wider adoption.
• Mobile Refueling - The mobile hydrogen fueler system consists of a 500-bar high pressure gaseous tube trailer that is coupled with a PLC controlled dispensing pod. The mobile dispensing pod provides industry leading safety and efficiency with fully automated cascade fills for zero emission fleet vehicles. Read more about Linde's Mobile Refueling Offering

Additionally, there is demand for lightweight metals and alloys that is steadily increasing to satisfy concerns of energy conservation. Combined with fuel efficiency targets and vehicle fuel options made possible with the use of hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions, Linde gases help the transportation industry make continuous improvements.

Hydrogen for rail service supports a carbon neutral economy. Hydrogen powered systems use about 29% less energy compared to diesel and create local zero-emissions operations. There is approximately a 10% reduction in regular maintenance compared to diesel powered rail. Other benefits include synergies with fueling concepts for fuel cell buses and other municipal vehicles, reduced noise and vibration, and utilization of existing rail infrastructure. Linde has announced plans to build a refueling station for passenger trains in Germany.  Press release

Throughout warehouses, at manufacturing sites, in exhibit halls and other facilities that have material handling needs, decarbonizing the fuel sources with hydrogen continues to expand. Fuel cells using compressed hydrogen as fuel produce no carbon emissions and provide cleaner indoor atmospheres where they are used compared to diesel or propane powered lift trucks. Hydrogen stores more energy than batteries for operation of larger lift trucks.

The compressed gas refueling of the lift can be localized to the warehouse. With the refilling station centralized near the facility, the lift vehicles can spoke out from the central source and return for refilling. Refueling with hydrogen is also much faster than recharging batteries, giving fuel cells as an advantage. Read more details about hydrogen fuel cells.

Hydrogen as a direct fuel source or in fuel combustion engines has the capability to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide release. The use of biofuels creates the opportunity for renewable jet fuel. The incorporation of hydrogen into a fueling system helps with decarbonization of combustion emissions.

For aviation, the decarbonization driver is hydrogen for fuel. Whether that be a direct use in a fuel cell engine or to create renewable jet fuel using biofuels. Environmental and greater fuel efficiency targets are increasing demand for lightweight metals and alloys. Combined with fuel efficiency targets and fuel options to reduce carbon emissions, Linde gases help the transportation industry to continuously improve metals & material processing.

Hydrogen is an effective energy carrier with potential for reducing carbon emissions when used as a maritime fuel. Hydrogen will play a significant role in the future of zero-emission ships, ferries and other maritime vessels helping to define the marine sector's transition to climate-friendly fuel. As a top hydrogen supplier, Linde was selected to supply the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry. Liquid hydrogen will be produced by electrolysis.  Read more about the 2022 supply startup.

For more information about lowering carbon emissions when incorporating hydrogen into fueling systems Request a quote