Introduction
Session 1 of the Foresight Hydrogen Mobility Conference provided critical insights into the role of hydrogen in transport decarbonisation, the challenges of infrastructure deployment, and the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The session featured key industry players from ULEMCo, Vauxhall, H2X, and Air Products, discussing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, fleet adoption challenges, infrastructure needs, and policy enablers.
1. The Case for Hydrogen in Heavy-Duty Transport by ULEMCo
Speaker: Amanda Lyne, Director, ULEMCo
Key Highlights:
Hydrogen is essential for heavy-duty transport decarbonisation.
Battery-electric solutions cannot meet the operational needs of HGVs, refuse trucks, emergency vehicles, and off-road machinery due to weight, range, and charging constraints.
Current Fleet Deployment:
ULEMCo has deployed hydrogen dual-fuel HGVs across various applications, including Aberdeen City Council’s fleet.
The technology enables CO2 reduction while retaining operational flexibility.
Challenges & Market Barriers:
Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK is inadequate, with only two publicly accessible stations.
Policy support and funding mechanisms are essential for scaling deployment.
2. Commercialising Hydrogen Vans by Vauxhall (Stellantis Group)
Speaker: Brad Miller, Head of Low Carbon Vehicle Products & Pricing
Key Highlights:
Vauxhall’s Movano Hydrogen Van:
311-mile range, five-minute refuelling, and zero impact on cargo capacity.
The first 15 vehicles have been ordered, with serial production commencing in Q3 2025.
Hydrogen vs. Battery-Electric for Commercial Fleets:
Hydrogen provides consistent range and operational uptime, whereas battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) suffer from charging downtime and range degradation in cold weather.
Fleets with double-shifted operations (e.g., logistics and emergency services) find BEVs unsuitable due to long charging requirements.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Projections:
Current hydrogen price: £23/kg (Tysley, Heathrow). Expected to drop to £12/kg by 2030, making hydrogen cost-competitive with diesel.
3. Hydrogen Fleet Development Strategy by H2X
Speaker: Ian Thompson, CTO, H2X
Key Highlights:
Retrofitting Diesel Vehicles to Hydrogen:
H2X focuses on re-powering existing vehicles, enabling faster fleet transition to hydrogen.
Applications include refuse trucks, municipal fleets, and utility vehicles.
Key Market Insights:
Europe is the most attractive market due to strong hydrogen refuelling network growth.
US and Australian markets lack sufficient refuelling infrastructure.
Long-Term Vision:
Developing a hydrogen van platform with a fuel cell drivetrain, targeting fleet operators and last-mile delivery.
4. Enabling Hydrogen Mobility Through Infrastructure by Air Products
Speaker: Chloe Tindale, Hydrogen Marketing & Business Development Manager
Key Highlights:
Hydrogen Infrastructure Challenges:
Current UK hydrogen refuelling stations are insufficient, causing uncertainty for fleet adoption.
Europe has a more developed refuelling network, thanks to policy support and funding initiatives.
UK Hydrogen Production & Supply Plans:
Immingham Renewable Hydrogen Facility: Will produce 210 tons/day of hydrogen, equivalent to 3% of UK’s 2030 hydrogen target.
Hydrogen can be transported via gaseous or liquid storage, depending on fleet demand.
Case Study: Crawley Metro Bus Hydrogen Refuelling Station
54 hydrogen busses operating on liquid hydrogen supply.
Scalability model for future large-scale fleet conversion.
Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A: Key Takeaways
1. Hydrogen Fleet Adoption & Market Demand
Growing fleet interest in hydrogen, but infrastructure availability remains the key barrier.
Local authorities are hesitant to invest due to uncertainty over long-term fuel supply and pricing.
Grouping demand from multiple fleet operators in regional hubs could accelerate infrastructure deployment.
2. Infrastructure Development & Business Models
Hydrogen hubs & corridors are emerging in the UK, but progress is slow.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential to balance risk and encourage investment.
Europe's Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulations (AFIR) are driving faster deployment compared to the UK.
3. The Role of Policy & Regulation
Government funding delays are hindering private investment in hydrogen refuelling.
Mandates for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, similar to EV charging mandates, could spur adoption.
Alternative business models (e.g., hydrogen-as-a-service, fleet leasing) could lower barriers to entry.
4. Mobile Refuelling as a Short-Term Solution
Air Products currently deploys mobile hydrogen refuelers for trials.
700-bar refuelling remains a challenge for mobile stations, limiting range for hydrogen vehicles.
Temporary solutions can support early adoption, but permanent refuelling stations are needed for large-scale deployment.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Key Takeaways:
Hydrogen is critical for decarbonising heavy-duty and high-utilisation transport applications.
Fleet interest in hydrogen is growing, but refuelling infrastructure remains a major obstacle.
Collaboration between fleet operators, infrastructure providers, and policymakers is needed to accelerate adoption.
Government incentives and regulatory clarity will be crucial to supporting hydrogen refueling network expansion.
Recommendations:
Develop regional hydrogen hubs & corridors to cluster demand and make refuelling stations viable.
Expand government support for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to match EU and US initiatives.
Encourage alternative fleet financing models (e.g., hydrogen-as-a-service) to reduce upfront costs.
Support digitalisation and automation in hydrogen refuelling to enhance efficiency and scalability.
By addressing these challenges, the UK can become a leader in hydrogen mobility, ensuring long-term sustainability in transport decarbonisation.
Introduction
Session 2 of the Foresight Hydrogen Mobility Conference focused on key developments in hydrogen-powered vehicles, refuelling infrastructure, and regulatory challenges. The session featured industry leaders from Tvsi Motors, Element 2, Ricardo, and Aqua Ocean, discussing advancements in hydrogen mobility, the need for collaboration in the hydrogen ecosystem, and barriers such as cost, regulation, and infrastructure.
1. Hydrogen Range Extenders & Software-Defined Vehicles by TV Motors
Speaker: Swapnil Savant, CEO, Tvsi Motors
Key Highlights:
Development of a plug-and-play hydrogen range extender for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Aimed at fleet operators who are dissatisfied with the limited range and long charging times of BEVs.
$20,000 per unit cost, providing an additional 200 miles of range.
Expected market entry within 3-4 months, with early customer interest in France, UK, and India.
Challenges include:
Limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
Safety concerns among fleet operators.
Lack of OEM support for battery integration.
High vehicle cost compared to diesel equivalents.
2. Speeding Up the Hydrogen Market by Element 2
Speaker: Andrew Hagan, Business Development, Element 2
Key Highlights:
Element 2 is focused on hydrogen refuelling station development and fuel distribution.
Tees Valley to be the first permanent hydrogen refueling station in the UK.
Plans to build 50 refueling stations across the UK & Ireland within five years.
Belief that mobile refuelling solutions are not scalable, instead advocating for semi-permanent stations to provide a better user experience.
Key challenges:
Infrastructure development is slow due to lack of committed vehicle demand.
Hydrogen production costs remain high, though expected to decrease.
Government policy does not provide strong enough incentives for infrastructure development.
Vehicle manufacturers delaying production until market conditions improve (e.g., Volvo postponing hydrogen truck release until 2028).
3. Hydrogen Integration in Heavy-Duty & Maritime Applications by Ricardo
Speaker: Daniel Roberts, Ricardo
Key Highlights:
Ricardo works across the hydrogen value chain, from policy advisory to vehicle engineering.
Experience includes fuel cell integration for Toyota and multi-stack fuel cell system design for marine applications.
Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) offer a cost-effective alternative to fuel cells, yet the UK is slow to approve them compared to the EU.
Need for regulatory harmonisation with the EU to enable hydrogen adoption in transport.
China & India are aggressively scaling hydrogen production, positioning themselves as key global suppliers.
Key barriers:
High cost of fuel cell system development.
Slow certification processes for hydrogen vehicles and vessels.
Fragmentation in hydrogen industry leading to inefficient investment.
4. Hydrogen-Powered Autonomous Maritime Vessels by Aqua Ocean
Speaker: Mike Tinmouth, COO, Aqua Ocean
Key Highlights:
Developed the USV Pioneer, a hydrogen-electric unmanned vessel for offshore operations.
Funded by the UK Department for Transport under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Programme.
Challenges in maritime hydrogen adoption:
Regulatory gaps: No clear framework for hydrogen-powered vessels.
Infrastructure limitations: Ports and marinas lack refueling capabilities.
High costs: Certification takes up to three years and costs tens of thousands of pounds per vessel.
Industry skepticism: Demand for net-zero solutions has declined since 2022, as businesses focus on immediate operational needs rather than sustainability goals.
Key advantages of hydrogen vessels:
Extended operational endurance compared to battery-powered vessels.
Stealth & low-noise advantages for military and offshore monitoring applications.
Potential for on-site hydrogen production to improve energy security.
Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A: Key Takeaways
1. Market Demand vs. Infrastructure Development
Fleet operators are hesitant to invest in hydrogen vehicles without refueling infrastructure.
Refueling station developers (e.g., Element 2) will not commit to permanent stations without guaranteed demand.
Potential solution: Government incentives or mandates to accelerate deployment of both vehicles and refueling sites simultaneously.
2. Policy & Regulatory Challenges
UK hydrogen regulations lag behind the EU, particularly in approving hydrogen combustion engines.
Lack of policy clarity delays investment in hydrogen projects.
Investment in hydrogen infrastructure is too fragmented, with multiple small initiatives instead of a coordinated national strategy.
3. The Need for Collaboration
Multiple companies expressed frustration over the lack of industry coordination.
Proposal for a dedicated UK hydrogen brokerage or forum to connect hydrogen producers, vehicle manufacturers, and infrastructure developers.
Road Haulage Association’s Net Zero Forum was mentioned as a potential platform for collaboration.
4. Cost Reduction & Investment Trends
Venture capital funding for net-zero technologies is declining.
Hydrogen needs to rebrand from a "sustainability solution" to an "energy security & capability enhancer".
Investment in hydrogen vehicles today could drive down costs significantly over the next five years.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Key Takeaways:
Hydrogen mobility has strong potential for commercial fleets and maritime applications, but refueling infrastructure remains the largest barrier.
Regulatory uncertainty and slow certification processes hinder market growth.
More collaboration is needed between vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure developers, and policymakers.
Hydrogen should be positioned as an enabler of energy security and operational efficiency, rather than just a sustainability solution.
Recommendations:
Accelerate UK regulatory approvals for hydrogen vehicles, including internal combustion engines.
Develop a coordinated hydrogen infrastructure plan with public-private partnerships.
Establish a UK hydrogen brokerage platform to connect stakeholders and drive investment.
Encourage large fleet operators to invest early to reduce long-term costs and create demand for refueling stations.
By addressing these challenges, the UK can establish itself as a leader in hydrogen mobility, ensuring long-term sustainability and energy security.
Introduction
Session 3 of the Foresight Hydrogen Mobility Conference focused on the role of hydrogen in aviation and the regulatory, technical, and infrastructure challenges associated with its implementation. Industry leaders from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, and Cranfield University provided insights into hydrogen adoption for aircraft, regulatory landscapes, infrastructure readiness, and the importance of collaboration across sectors.
1. Regulating Hydrogen Aviation by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Speaker: Helen Ledbetter, UK CAA
Key Highlights:
CAA’s role in hydrogen aviation regulation:
The Hydrogen Challenge initiative is working to identify regulatory gaps and adapt existing aviation safety standards.
Aims to ensure that hydrogen-powered aviation maintains or improves current aviation safety standards.
Hydrogen Certification & Policy Development:
A comprehensive review of existing primary and secondary aviation regulations is underway.
Policies for small aircraft (CS-23) require fewer adjustments, while large aircraft (CS-25) need extensive regulatory updates.
New acceptable means of compliance (AMC) for hydrogen will be created rather than entirely new certification standards.
Industry Collaboration & Early Engagement:
Working groups with industry, academia, and international regulators (EASA, FAA) are ensuring a harmonized approach to certification.
Encourages early industry engagement to prevent delays in policy development.
Hydrogen Sandbox Initiative:
Running pilot projects with companies such as ZeroAvia and Cranfield Aerospace to refine regulations.
Focus areas: hydrogen propulsion, hydrogen aerodromes, and aircraft safety & certification.
2. Hydrogen Investment & Technology in Aerospace by Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)
Speaker: Noor Eid, ATI
Key Highlights:
ATI’s Role in Hydrogen Development:
£5 billion investment in aerospace research to advance zero-carbon aircraft technologies.
Funding for hydrogen storage, fuel cells, gas turbines, and cryogenic testing.
Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) Initiative:
Three focus areas: test infrastructure, research, and skills development.
Building two hydrogen test hubs for aerospace in Bristol and Buxton.
Collaboration with Airbus and UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to advance hydrogen aviation safety.
Urgency in Hydrogen Research:
Aircraft using gaseous hydrogen will enter service by 2030, followed by liquid hydrogen models by 2045.
Research on cryogenic hydrogen storage, fuel handling, and safety standards must start now.
3. Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Development by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions
Speaker: Mark Kelk, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions
Key Highlights:
Conversion of Britten-Norman Islander Aircraft to Hydrogen:
World’s first certified hydrogen-electric passenger aircraft is being developed.
Initial test flights expected by late 2025, with full certification by 2027.
Challenges in Hydrogen Integration:
Thermal management: Hydrogen fuel cells generate low-level heat (~80-90°C), requiring innovative cooling systems.
Hydrogen tank weight: Current gravimetric energy density is only ~9%, requiring advanced composite materials for improved efficiency.
Infrastructure readiness: Collaboration with airports to ensure hydrogen refueling capabilities.
Future Hydrogen Aircraft Models:
Beyond the Britten-Norman Islander, larger hydrogen-powered UAVs and regional aircraft (30-80 seats) are being designed.
Potential applications for auxiliary power units (APUs) and ground support equipment.
4. The Role of Airports in Hydrogen Transition by Cranfield University
Speaker: Dr. Thomas Budd, Cranfield University
Key Highlights:
Airports must prepare for hydrogen adoption now to avoid bottlenecks in future aviation decarbonisation.
Phases of Hydrogen Infrastructure Development:
Phase 1 (2025-2030): Road transport of hydrogen to airports, semi-permanent storage, and refueling via mobile tankers.
Phase 2 (2030-2040): Permanent hydrogen storage at airports, pipelines, and integration with ground operations.
Phase 3 (2040-2050): On-site hydrogen production and liquefaction to support large-scale hydrogen aircraft.
Hydrogen in Ground Support Equipment (GSE):
Airport service vehicles and ground power units (GPUs) can switch to hydrogen fuel cells.
Hydrogen-powered baggage tractors, aircraft tugs, and airport buses are already being tested.
Heathrow’s Project 601 will trial hydrogen use in cargo handling and aircraft servicing.
Challenges in Airport Hydrogen Deployment:
Safety concerns: Fire & rescue teams require new hydrogen handling protocols.
Turnaround times: Hydrogen refueling must match or exceed current aviation refueling speeds.
Integration with existing fuel supply chains while transitioning to hydrogen.
Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A: Key Takeaways
1. Hydrogen Safety & Regulation Alignment
CAA, EASA, and FAA are working closely to ensure a global regulatory framework for hydrogen aviation.
Hydrogen purity certification is a challenge—how to guarantee fuel quality throughout transportation and storage.
More collaboration is needed between aviation, maritime, and rail sectors to accelerate learning and safety standardisation.
2. Hydrogen Aircraft vs. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Short-haul and regional aviation will benefit most from hydrogen adoption.
SAF will remain essential for long-haul aviation due to hydrogen’s volumetric energy density constraints.
Hybrid solutions combining SAF and hydrogen could emerge for mid-range aircraft.
3. Infrastructure & Investment Bottlenecks
Airport hydrogen adoption is dependent on investment in refueling and storage infrastructure.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and government funding are needed to de-risk hydrogen projects.
Skill shortages in cryogenics and hydrogen safety must be addressed through new training programs.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Key Takeaways:
Hydrogen aircraft will be operational by 2030, but regulatory and infrastructure readiness must accelerate.
Airports play a crucial role in hydrogen adoption, requiring early investment in storage and fuelling systems.
Collaboration across aviation, energy, and regulatory bodies is essential to overcome technical and safety challenges.
Hydrogen should be seen as part of a broader aviation decarbonisation strategy, working alongside SAF and electrification.
Recommendations:
Accelerate hydrogen aviation policy development to avoid delays in aircraft certification.
Invest in hydrogen airport infrastructure, including refueling stations and safety training.
Encourage industry collaboration to ensure technology harmonisation across transport sectors.
Expand government funding for hydrogen R&D, focusing on lightweight materials and fuel safety.
By addressing these challenges, the UK can establish itself as a global leader in hydrogen aviation, driving innovation and sustainability in air transport.
Production Conference - Day One | |
Production Conference - Day Two | |
Mobility Conference - Day One |
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