Hydrogen is a viable option for future transport fuel

future of energy

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has welcomed the findings of a major report which maps out routes to delivering hydrogen at volume as a transport fuel.
 
The report – Network-supplied hydrogen unlocks low carbon transport opportunities – was launched by Cadent, the UK’s biggest gas distribution network, at a major hydrogen showcase event in Runcorn, organised by Halton Borough Council.
 
Key findings include:
 
  • Grid-supplied hydrogen is the most cost-effective way of supplying hydrogen transport fuel at the required volume – up to 70 per cent cheaper than other possible means.
  • The concept to ‘piggyback’ on the larger hydrogen power and heat project advancing in North West England (HyNet), to create options for low carbon transport, is viable.
  • A range of options – including battery electric vehicles (BEV) is needed, but exclusive focus on BEVs will result in a shortfall in the required renewable electricity of at least 32%.
 
The report was presented and discussed in Runcorn yesterday, at an event to showcase several hydrogen projects that position North West as pioneers in this technology.
 
Ed Syson, chief safety and strategy officer at Cadent, said: “We carried out this study because there is an obvious desire and enthusiasm in the North West to think big and take a lead in finding low-cost ways to cut emissions. Industry and policy makers can now be assured that HyNet can deliver the bulk volume of hydrogen needed in the North West, via a pipeline network. Distributing it this way cuts the costs considerably and means hydrogen can complement electricity and advanced biofuels as an attractive option for future fuel.”
 
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This report from Cadent is a valuable piece of evidence in our journey towards a hydrogen economy. It shows how we can use network-delivered hydrogen across the North West to make fuel cell technology a viable option for HGVs, trains, buses and cars, alongside other proposed technologies.”
 
The full report can be downloaded here
 
There is more information here on yesterday’s event in Runcorn, including details of other North West hydrogen projects.

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

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