The project LIFE NEW HYTS
LIFE NEW HYTS shows how the transition to a climate-neutral transport sector has already started. The project is a unique collaboration between local businesses, knowledge institutions and governments. It demonstrates the possibilities and feasibility for local production, distribution and application of green hydrogen in road transport. LIFE NEW HYTS develops conditions for the rapid introduction of green hydrogen-powered heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
LIFE NEW HYTS is a LIFE project and stands for reNEWable green HYdrogen for TranSport.
Urgent need for greener transport
Green hydrogen reduces the greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a greener transport sector. Current road transport is responsible for 21% of the global CO2 emissions. There is an urgent need for a greener transport sector with fewer CO2 emissions. Renewable energy in the form of green hydrogen plays an important role here. The European Union (EU) aims to use 32% renewable energy by 2030. For the transport sector in particular, the share of renewable energy is set to be at least 14% by 2030.
Hydrogen will play a crucial role in achieving the EU objectives. Electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells are more suitable for both heavy-duty vehicles and long-distance transport, compared to battery-powered electric vehicles. However, right now, more than 99% of hydrogen (H2) produced in the Netherlands is made from fossil fuels.
LIFE NEW HYTS is committed to green hydrogen for road transport
The usage and production of green hydrogen in transport has reached an impasse that must be broken down. Supply and demand are glaring at each other and are not moving. Currently only a small number of hydrogen vehicles are in use, so the incentive to open hydrogen filling stations in the Netherlands is lacking. And few hydrogen filling stations means there is no appeal in driving hydrogen-powered vehicles. This impasse forms a barrier to scale-up the use of green hydrogen in transport. Additionally, the investment costs for green hydrogen production are high and a hydrogen distribution system is lacking.
Transport hub Utrecht has Hydrogen in Mobility Covenant
The province of Utrecht is the main transport hub in the Netherlands, and the region with the highest transport density. The province has drawn up the Hydrogen in Mobility Utrecht Province Covenant (Waterstof Utrecht) to promote hydrogen in the transport sector. More than 100 parties have joined to make mobility more sustainable.
Engagement from the region
LIFE NEW HYTS is a collaboration between KWR Water Research Institute, the province of Utrecht, Hysolar, Van Heezik, Stamhuis, Jos Scholman Beheer B.V. and Van den Heerik’s Internationaal Transportbedrijf 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 establishing a chain in Nieuwegein. The chain consists of the generation of green electricity through a nearby solar field and the conversion of electricity into green hydrogen using the electrolyser. The hydrogen is transported by pipeline to the existing public hydrogen filling station by Jos Scholman. This hydrogen filling station is suitable for fuelling light and heavy-duty vehicles with hydrogen.
LIFE NEW HYTS is a demonstration project for regional production, distribution, and usage of green hydrogen. It provides the province with valuable data on the use and costs of green hydrogen and offers practical support for accelerated implementation of green hydrogen in transport. Utrecht province will expand the hydrogen covenant for the transport sector as part of this project.
Neighbouring countries are involved
The LIFE NEW HYTS project generates a lot of knowledge and experience of the regional production, distribution and usage of green hydrogen in Utrecht. This knowledge is shared with other municipalities in the province, and with the region Bruges in Belgium and North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.
LIFE NEW HYTS objective
LIFE NEW HYTS creates the right conditions for a rapid introduction of green hydrogen-powered heavy-duty commercial vehicles by pioneering at local level and application at regional level.
Cleaner air
Currently, road transport is responsible for 21% of European CO2 emissions. Local production and usage of green hydrogen will bring with it an enormous reduction in CO2 emissions. And that’s not all. The particulate emissions and nitrogen emissions will also reduce drastically, which is better for the climate, for health and for nature.
Making Green Hydrogen
The electrolyser at Hysolar will be used to produce green hydrogen from 2023. By meeting the requirements set by the European RED2 guideline, 100% sustainable production of hydrogen can be guaranteed.
Hydrogen-powered freight vehicles
As part of LIFE NEW HYTS, the project partners will purchase hydrogen-powered electric freight vehicles: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). These vehicles are only just emerging in the market.
Green hydrogen-powered machinery
Powered machinery and power units are also acquired as part of LIFE NEW HYTS. It concerns two different types:
- Hydrogen-powered electric cranes (FCEV); this is a national first!
- Tractors and holders; this is about dosing hydrogen into a diesel engine, the so-called Dual Fuel principle, which is a temporary application until the FCEV option is more available.
Region and neighbouring countries are involved
The province of Utrecht encourages hydrogen in mobility through the covenant. In addition, there is close collaboration with international partners on getting similar projects off the ground in Bruges, Belgium, and North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Hydrogen-powered vehicle training
We will set up a training programme in Utrecht province to ensure the mechanics and drivers posses the right knowledge of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
News
24 June opening of the project
The LIFE NEW HYTS project was festively opened in Nieuwegein on the afternoon of Friday 24 June 2022. The project was presented with well-known speakers outlining the position of hydrogen at regional, national and European level.
Partners
Contact
Contact us for more information about the project via the contact form. Also check the helpdesk for questions about hydrogen in mobility, especially in the province of Utrecht.
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