bp and BOC have said the joint study found distributing hydrogen as a compressed gas via road trailer is the best option to stimulate the UK market to take up hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty transport over the mid-term.

The companies say the nine-month study has provided important insights into requirements and options for hydrogen distribution, station design, and dispensing costs for heavy-duty applications.

In the long-term, the study anticipates that both gaseous and liquid hydrogen will have a role to play in fuelling the sector.

H2 View understands bp and BOC, a Linde company, are now exploring options to collaborate on the design and deployment of an initial network for heavy-duty refuelling infrastructure in the country.

Richard Harding, Senior Vice-President for Portfolio and Integration at 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.”

It is hoped the study could contribute to the UK meeting its climate goals, with heavy goods vehicles accounting for approximately 16% of UK road transport tailpipe emissions in 2019, according to the partners.

Jim Mercer, Business President of 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 HGV market.”