HRS’ hydrogen
markets
Today, HRS is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of the carbon-neutral hydrogen mobility market. Thanks to the capacities they offer (from 14 to 80 kg/hour), HRS hydrogen stations are compatible with the needs of a wide range of vehicles, including light vehicles, as well as buses, lorries and also heavy vehicles. To meet the needs of tomorrow, HRS is currently developing capacities for 1 ton and above.
This market development has received strong support from public authorities
The market promises particularly high growth due to the €7 billion Carbon-free hydrogen plan launched by the French government, the equivalent plan worth €9 billion from the German government, and several imminent projects in Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. By 2050, the European Commission forecasts that the share of hydrogen in the EU energy mix will increase from 2 % to 14 %, with the value of the investments required being estimated at between €180 and €470 billion.
Industries: handling and logistics markets
In the logistics market, usage in forklift trucks in warehouses is one of the most tried and tested of current applications: the total cost of ownership of fuel cell forklifts is expected to be lower than that of electric forklifts from 2023.
Road transport: HGV
Hydrogen offers the most cost-effective way of decarbonising heavy goods vehicles, as the alternative presented by electric vehicles does not meet the needs of heavy goods transportation due to the significant weight, size and cost of electric batteries, as well as the long recharging times involved, according to the Hydrogen Council.
Every major manufacturer is committed to the commercialisation of heavy fuel cell electric vehicles, including Hyundai, SAIC, Daimler, Volvo, among others
Mass-market: light vehicles
Hydrogen and electric batteries are often described as competing technologies, and in the last few years batteries have attracted much attention. However, the relative strengths and weaknesses of these technologies suggest that they can instead complement one another.
Over 23,000 fuel cell electric vehicles were in circulation worldwide in 2019. Studies show that fuel cell electric vehicles may reach 25 % of the worldwide fleet in circulation, representing 400 million individual vehicles in 2050.
Railway transport
Hydrogen trains will contribute to further reducing emissions and noise levels caused by the industry. In recent years, hydrogen fuel cell trains have become a priority of railway equipment manufacturers. While trials looking into the technology began in 2005, the first commercial trains were showcased in 2016 by Alstom, and will enter into service in Germany. This technology may be used in up to 20 % of new European trains by 2030, replacing around 30 % of diesel trains as a result.
Maritime: transportation and leisure industries
It is estimated that the maritime transport sector covers 80 % of global trade, and represents 2.2 % of worldwide carbon emissions. In addition, the fuel oil that is generally used in international maritime transport produces significant SO2 emissions. In April 2018, the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations reached an agreement to reduce carbon emissions to at least 50 % of the levels in 2008 by 2050. Alongside this, Maersk, one of the largest maritime transport companies in the world, committed to reducing its net emissions by 2050.
