Tuesday 5 July 2022

bp and BOC collaborate on potential deployment of hydrogen network for UK trucks

British energy giant bp and BOC, a Linde company, are exploring opportunities to collaborate on the design and deployment of an initial hydrogen infrastructure network for heavy-duty transportation in the UK.

They have completed a joint nine-month feasibility study for optimised designs for a potential hydrogen distribution and supply network for trucks.

It provided important technical insights into the requirements and options for distribution of hydrogen, station design considerations and dispensing costs for heavy-duty transport applications.

Richard Harding, Senior Vice President - portfolio & integration, bp said: “Our customers in hard-to-abate sectors, such as heavy-duty transport, are demanding low carbon alternative fuels. They need and want to decarbonise. Cutting HGV emissions requires new infrastructure and by bringing together our technical expertise, understanding of the supply chain and insights from our customers, I am confident that together we can do more to drive change at pace for our customers.”

In 2019, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) accounted for around 16% of UK road transport emissions, while making up just 5% of vehicle miles.

Jim Mercer, Business President, BOC UK & Ireland added: “If we are to meet net zero targets, tackling road freight emissions needs to happen now.

“This study shows us the optimal ways in which hydrogen can be used to help decarbonise the UK freight sector and BOC is proud to bring its extensive experience and expertise to this collaboration with bp, as we look at opportunities to deliver a hydrogen refuelling network for the UK’s heavy goods vehicle market.”