Hydrogen Filling Stations Planned

The billionaire Issa brothers who own Asda are bankrolling HVS, founded in Glasgow as Hydrogen Vehicle Systems in 2017, a fledgling zero-emission lorry company and plan to create Britain’s first network of hydrogen fuel stations to support the decarbonisation of Britain’s 300,000 heavy goods vehicles.

That's an interesting development! The involvement of the billionaire Issa brothers who own Asda in supporting HVS, a zero-emission lorry company, and the creation of Britain's first network of hydrogen fuel stations indicates a commitment to decarbonizing Britain's heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector. Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising technology for achieving zero-emission transportation, as they produce only water vapor as a byproduct.

By establishing a network of hydrogen fuel stations, the billionaire Issa brothers aim to address one of the key challenges associated with adopting hydrogen-powered vehicles—access to refueling infrastructure. Hydrogen fuel stations provide the necessary infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered HGVs. This initiative can contribute significantly to the decarbonization efforts in the transportation sector, given the large number of heavy goods vehicles in the UK.

It's worth noting that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including hydrogen-powered lorries, offer advantages such as long driving ranges and fast refueling times, making them suitable for commercial transportation needs. However, the success of such an initiative depends on various factors, including the availability of affordable hydrogen production methods, advancements in hydrogen storage and transportation, and the overall adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the transportation sector.

By investing in HVS and supporting the establishment of a hydrogen fuel station network, the billionaire brothers are playing a vital role in promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions in the UK's heavy goods vehicle industry.

How do you see the chanses of moving trucks from diesel to hydrogen?

The transition from diesel to hydrogen for trucks, particularly heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), presents both opportunities and challenges. Here's an overview of the factors that may influence the chances of widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks:

1. Technological Advancements: Advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology, including improvements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and durability, will be crucial. Continued research and development efforts can enhance the performance and reduce the manufacturing costs of hydrogen fuel cell systems, making them more competitive with traditional diesel engines.
2. Infrastructure Development: Establishing a robust network of hydrogen fueling stations is vital to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks. As the infrastructure expands, it will become easier and more convenient for truck operators to access hydrogen refueling, thereby increasing the feasibility of using hydrogen as a fuel.
3. Cost Considerations: The cost of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including the initial purchase price and operational expenses, plays a significant role. Currently, hydrogen vehicles tend to be more expensive than their diesel counterparts. However, as economies of scale are achieved through mass production and advancements in technology, the cost gap may narrow, making hydrogen-powered trucks more economically viable.
4. Regulatory Support and Incentives: Government policies and incentives can accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Supportive regulations, financial incentives, and tax breaks for hydrogen-powered trucks can encourage fleet operators to make the switch from diesel. Additionally, stricter emissions standards and environmental regulations may drive the need for zero-emission alternatives like hydrogen.
5. Industry Collaboration: Collaboration among key stakeholders, including truck manufacturers, fuel suppliers, infrastructure developers, and government agencies, is essential for the successful transition to hydrogen-powered trucks. Collaborative efforts can address challenges related to technology, infrastructure, and standardization, creating a supportive ecosystem for hydrogen transportation.

While there are challenges to overcome, including the initial investment costs and infrastructure development, the potential benefits of hydrogen-powered trucks, such as zero emissions, longer driving ranges, and faster refueling times, make them an attractive option for decarbonizing the transportation sector. As technology advances, costs decrease, and infrastructure expands, the chances of moving trucks from diesel to hydrogen are likely to improve, especially with the support of initiatives like the one undertaken by the billionaire brothers for HVS and hydrogen fuel stations.

Are the Issa brothers visionairs to start rolling out hydrogen filling stations?

The involvement of the Issa brothers, the billionaire owners of Asda, in supporting the rollout of hydrogen filling stations through their investment in HVS indicates a forward-thinking approach towards the adoption of hydrogen technology in the transportation sector. While it is challenging to determine whether they can be considered visionaries based solely on this initiative, their commitment to creating Britain's first network of hydrogen fuel stations is indeed a step in the right direction.

Establishing a network of hydrogen filling stations is crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including trucks. It requires substantial investment, collaboration with various stakeholders, and a long-term vision for a decarbonized transportation future. By recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source and actively supporting the infrastructure development, the Issa brothers are demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the challenges associated with transitioning to zero-emission transportation.

To be considered visionaries in this context, the Issa brothers' efforts would need to encompass not only the establishment of hydrogen fuel stations but also broader initiatives focused on advancing hydrogen technology, fostering industry collaboration, and driving policy changes to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. These elements are essential for realizing a sustainable and efficient hydrogen ecosystem.

Ultimately, the success and impact of the Issa brothers' vision will depend on the execution of their plans, the scalability of the network, the ability to attract other stakeholders, and the broader adoption of hydrogen technology in the transportation sector.

The international network of fillingstations owned by the Issa brother through Europe Garages and Asda could be the ideal environment to give hydrogen a big boost. Also for cars, busses and other forms of transport.

Certainly, the international network of filling stations owned by the Issa brothers through their businesses like Euro Garages and Asda could provide an ideal environment for giving hydrogen a significant boost. These filling stations have an existing infrastructure and customer base, which can be leveraged to promote the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel for various forms of transportation, including cars, buses, and other vehicles.

Here are some potential advantages of utilizing the existing network of filling stations for hydrogen deployment:

1. Infrastructure Advantage: The Issa brothers' filling stations already have the physical infrastructure in place, including land, tanks, and dispensing equipment, which can be repurposed or expanded to accommodate hydrogen fueling. This significantly reduces the upfront investment required for setting up new hydrogen stations from scratch.
2. Market Reach: The widespread network of Euro Garages and Asda filling stations provides broad market coverage and visibility. By incorporating hydrogen refueling facilities into their existing sites, the Issa brothers can make hydrogen more accessible to a larger customer base, including private car owners, fleet operators, and public transportation services.
3. Customer Convenience: Leveraging existing filling stations means that customers can have the convenience of accessing hydrogen alongside other fuel options in one location. This can help address the concern of range anxiety for hydrogen vehicle users, as they would have confidence in finding refueling facilities easily during their journeys.
4. Branding and Awareness: The Issa brothers' businesses have a recognized brand presence, which can be leveraged to raise awareness and educate customers about the benefits of hydrogen fuel. Promoting hydrogen as a clean and sustainable fuel option through their filling stations can help create positive associations with the technology and encourage its adoption.

While utilizing the existing filling station network for hydrogen deployment has advantages, it's important to consider the specific requirements for hydrogen infrastructure, including safety considerations, dedicated storage facilities, and specialized dispensing equipment. Adapting the existing infrastructure to meet these requirements would be necessary to ensure safe and efficient hydrogen refueling.

Overall, the Issa brothers' international network of filling stations provides a unique opportunity to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel for various forms of transportation. By incorporating hydrogen refueling facilities into their existing sites, they can contribute to the growth of hydrogen infrastructure and support the decarbonization of the transportation sector.

Do you know successful projects where hydrogen fillingstations have been installed?

Yes, there have been successful projects around the world where hydrogen filling stations have been installed to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Here are a few notable examples:

1. California, United States: California has been a frontrunner in promoting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and has an extensive network of hydrogen filling stations. The California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) has played a significant role in developing this infrastructure. Companies such as Shell, BP, and Toyota have been involved in setting up hydrogen filling stations across the state.
2. Germany: Germany has made substantial progress in establishing hydrogen infrastructure. The Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) has been instrumental in developing a network of hydrogen filling stations in major cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Germany aims to have around 100 hydrogen stations by 2023.
3. Japan: Japan has been actively promoting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and has made significant strides in building hydrogen infrastructure. The country has established several hydrogen filling stations, particularly in Tokyo, Osaka, and other major metropolitan areas. Companies like Toyota, Honda, and JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy have been involved in the deployment of hydrogen stations.
4. South Korea: South Korea has been investing in hydrogen infrastructure as part of its efforts to promote hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The government has set a target to establish over 300 hydrogen filling stations by 2022. Companies like Hyundai and SK Group have been engaged in deploying hydrogen stations in the country.

These are just a few examples, and there are other regions and countries, such as the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom, where hydrogen filling stations have been installed or are being planned. The success of these projects depends on various factors, including government support, private sector investment, collaboration among stakeholders, and the growing demand for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

It's important to note that the number of hydrogen filling stations is still relatively small compared to traditional gasoline or diesel stations. However, with increasing interest in decarbonization and the push for zero-emission transportation, the development of hydrogen infrastructure is expected to accelerate in the coming years.

Peter Auwerx, chatting with chatGPT