The project LIFE NEW HYTS
LIFE NEW HYTS shows how the transition to a climate-neutral transportation sector has already begun. The project is a unique collaboration of local entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions and governments. And shows the possibilities and feasibility for the local production, distribution and application of green hydrogen in road transport. LIFE NEW HYTS is developing conditions for a rapid introduction of green hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles.
LIFE NEW HYTS is a LIFE project and stands for reNEWable green HYdrogen for TranSport.
Greener transportation is desperately needed
Green hydrogen reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a greener transportation sector. Current transportation accounts for about 14% of globalCO2 emissions. A greener transport sector with reducedCO2 emissions is badly needed. Renewable energy in the form of green hydrogen plays an important role in this. The European Union (EU) has a goal of using 32% renewable energy by 2030. Specifically for the transport sector, the share of renewable energy must be at least 14% by 2030.
Hydrogen is going to play a crucial role in achieving EU targets. Electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells - compared to battery electric vehicles - are better suited for both heavy vehicles and long-distance transportation.
LIFE NEW HYTS commits to green hydrogen for road transport
The use and production of green hydrogen in transportation is at an impasse that needs to be broken. Supply and demand are looking at each other and not moving. There are only a small number of hydrogen vehicles in use, so the incentive to open hydrogen refueling stations in the Netherlands is lacking. And few hydrogen refueling stations do not make it attractive to run on hydrogen. This impasse hinders scaling up to green hydrogen in transportation. In addition, investment costs in green hydrogen production are high and a hydrogen distribution system is lacking.
Utrecht transport hub has covenant Hydrogen in Mobility
The province of Utrecht is the most important transport hub in the Netherlands and the region with the highest transport density. To promote hydrogen in the transport sector, the province has signed the Covenant on Hydrogen in Mobility Province of Utrecht (Waterstof Utrecht) drawn up. More than 120 parties have joined to make mobility more sustainable.
Region participates
LIFE NEW HYTS is a collaboration between KWR Water Research Institute, Province of Utrecht, Hysolar, Stamhuis, Jos Scholman Beheer B.V. and is co-funded by the European Union. LIFE NEW HYTS demonstrates the feasibility of local production, distribution and application of green hydrogen in road transport by setting up a chain in Nieuwegein. The chain consists of generating green electricity through a nearby solar field and converting electricity to green hydrogen with the electrolyser. The hydrogen is transported via a pipeline to Jos Scholman's existing public hydrogen filling station. This hydrogen filling station is suitable for fueling light and heavy vehicles on hydrogen.
LIFE NEW HYTS is a demonstration project for regional production, distribution and use of green hydrogen. It provides the province with valuable data on the use and cost of green hydrogen and practical support for accelerating the introduction of green hydrogen in transportation. Province of Utrecht is expanding the transportation sector hydrogen covenant under this project.
Neighboring countries are involved
The LIFE NEW HYTS project is providing a great deal of knowledge and experience about the regional production, distribution and use of green hydrogen in Utrecht. This knowledge is shared with other municipalities in the province, and with the Brugge region in Belgium and North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.
Aim LIFE NEW HYTS
LIFE NEW HYTS is creating the right conditions for the rapid introduction of green hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles by pioneering at the local level and applying regionally.
Cleaner air
The local production and use of the green hydrogen in transportation can bring huge savings inCO2 emissions. Particulate matter and nitrogen emissions also decrease dramatically. This is better for the climate, health and nature.
Making Green Hydrogen
The electrolyser at Hysolar has been producing green hydrogen since October 2024. Following the requirements of the European RED2 directive ensures that the hydrogen is produced 100% sustainably.
Hydrogen-powered cargo vehicles
As part of LIFE NEW HYTS, the project partners are procuring hydrogen-electric freight vehicles; Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). These vehicles are just beginning to enter the market.
Hydrogen-powered tools
Entrepreneurs purchase 2 types of hydrogen-powered power tools:
- Hydrogen-electric cranes (FCEV): this is a national first!
- Tractors and holders with the Dual Fuel principle: dosing hydrogen into a diesel engine. A temporary application as long as the FCEV version is not yet commercially readily available.
Region and neighboring countries involved
The province of Utrecht stimulates hydrogen in mobility with the Hydrogen Covenant. We are also working closely with partners abroad to set up similar projects in Bruges, Belgium and North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Hydrogen vehicle training
To ensure that mechanics and drivers have sufficient knowledge of hydrogen vehicles, Innovam, Aeres Group and Hystream have set up a training program in the province of Utrecht.
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Contact
Get in touch for more information about the project using the contact form. Also take a look at the help desk for questions about hydrogen in mobility, especially in the province of Utrecht.
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