In the UK, ITM Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with transport technology company The Hardstaff Group, to develop and market a hydrogen compressed natural gas (HCNG) fuel system for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
ITM Power designs and manufactures hydrogen energy systems for energy storage and clean fuel production, based on water electrolysis.
The Hardstaff Group specialises in innovative solutions for service/product enhancements and environmental protection, in particular the use of natural gas and biomethane in HGVs. The group's diverse expertise allows it to provide turnkey solutions from infrastructure through to bespoke vehicles.
Natural gas or biomethane may be combined in various ratios with hydrogen to produce HCNG, which offers significant benefits in the emissions performance and efficiency of internal combustion engines.
These improvements not only reduce the tailpipe emissions of CO2, NOx, CO and hydrocarbons, but also allow for increased engine speed operation, enabling the downsizing of engines. Engine downsizing results in improved operational efficiency and reduced weight.
'Partnering with The Hardstaff Group allows for the staged rollout of hydrogen technology to heavy goods vehicles – a market driven by cost reduction and improvements in efficiency,' says Dr Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power.
Cooley continues: 'By providing HCNG solutions for HGVs, ITM Power is able to access a huge market and make significant reductions to the haulage sector's carbon footprint, and increase operational efficiency.'
ITM Power has developed a flexible hydrogen generation and refuelling platform which offers a sustainable supply of hydrogen for transport vehicles, as well as meeting the challenge of integration with renewable energy.
ITM Power was recently awarded a grant for a project to investigate the feasibility of injecting hydrogen into the UK gas network, utilising electrolysis powered by excess renewable energy. The company has also linked up with Logan Energy Ltd to jointly tender for hydrogen energy storage projects in Scotland.
