Hydrogen for Transport
Hydrogen for Transport: Powering the Next Wave of Zero-Emission Mobility
For the most demanding transport applications, hydrogen offers a powerful, zero-emission solution. As battery electric technology faces limitations in heavy-duty, long-range, and high-energy use cases, green hydrogen is emerging as a critical pathway to decarbonise the entire transport ecosystem. Cenex Nederland—an active player in the European hydrogen community through our partnership with Cenex UK—provides the strategic and technical expertise needed to harness this transformative technology.
Why Hydrogen Matters for Transport
Comprehensive Hydrogen Transport Services
At Cenex Nederland, we offer deep expertise across the hydrogen value chain:
- Feasibility Studies & Business Case Development: Analysing the viability of hydrogen for your specific fleet or application.
- FCEV & Infrastructure Performance Analysis: Conducting real-world data collection and analysis from vehicle and refuelling station (HRS) pilots.
- Market & Technology Assessment: Providing insights into the European hydrogen market, vehicle availability, and enabling conditions.
- Policy Development & Regulatory Support: Helping public authorities and industry navigate the standards and legislation for deploying hydrogen infrastructure.
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): Assessing the full environmental impact of FCEVs and refuelling infrastructure to ensure sustainable outcomes.
- Hydrogen Demand Assessment: Quantifying regional or national hydrogen needs to inform infrastructure investment, as demonstrated in our Tees Valley project.
Proven Track Record in Hydrogen Transport Innovation
Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME) (2015-2023)
Cenex played a key role in H2ME1&2, Europe’s largest project to demonstrate the real-world readiness of hydrogen vehicles and infrastructure. The project deployed nearly 1,500 FCEVs and 49 refuelling stations.
HyTrEc-2: Hydrogen Transport Economy for the North Sea Region
Cenex was a partner in the HyTrEc-2 project, which aimed to build the business case for hydrogen in transport applications like vans, trucks, and refuse collection vehicles. We monitored various FCEVs to build a robust understanding of their operational and economic viability.
ZEFER: Zero Emission Fleets for European Roll-out
Through the ZEFER project, Cenex supported the deployment of 180 FCEVs in high-mileage applications like taxis and police vehicles in cities including Paris, London, and Brussels, proving the business case for hydrogen in demanding urban fleets.
Hydrogen for Utility and Heavy-Duty Fleets
Cenex has led targeted studies to accelerate hydrogen adoption in hard-to-electrify sectors. This includes working with UK utility providers to assess hydrogen vehicle and refuelling needs and quantifying the potential for hydrogen to decarbonise the Tees Valley’s heavy vehicle fleets.
Specialized Hydrogen Expertise
We support a wide range of organizations on their hydrogen journey:
- Heavy-Duty & Logistics Fleet Operators: Assessing the case for hydrogen trucks and vans.
- Public Transport Authorities: Planning for the deployment of hydrogen buses and coaches.
- Governments & Public Authorities: Developing national and regional hydrogen strategies and policies.
- Energy Companies & Infrastructure Investors: Providing market analysis and demand forecasts for hydrogen refuelling.
- Vehicle Manufacturers (OEMs): Offering independent validation and trial support.
Partnership with Cenex UK: European Reach, Local Focus
The combined strength of Cenex Nederland and Cenex UK provides our clients with unparalleled expertise in hydrogen transport. We merge a deep understanding of the Dutch and Benelux markets with pan-European project experience, delivering insights that are both locally relevant and globally informed.
Ready to Explore the Potential of Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is a cornerstone of a net-zero transport system. Successfully integrating it into your operations requires a partner with deep technical knowledge and real-world experience. Cenex Nederland provides the independent, evidence-based guidance to make your hydrogen ambitions a reality.
Contact our hydrogen transport specialists to begin your journey toward a clean and resilient future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) offer a long driving range and fast refuelling (3-5 minutes), similar to conventional vehicles. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty, long-distance, and 24/7 operations where battery electric vehicle charging times would cause significant downtime.
Yes. Hydrogen vehicles and refuelling stations are designed to meet stringent, internationally recognised safety standards. The technology has been used safely in industrial applications for decades, and hydrogen tanks on vehicles are extremely robust, often exceeding the safety of conventional petrol tanks.
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity to split water (electrolysis) and is completely emissions-free. Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas, with the resulting CO2 emissions captured and stored. Grey hydrogen is also made from natural gas but without carbon capture. Cenex focuses on enabling the transition to green hydrogen for transport.
The public network of hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) in the Netherlands and across Europe is growing, particularly along major TEN-T corridors. For large fleets, Cenex provides expertise in planning and developing private, on-site depot refuelling solutions.
While the upfront cost of FCEVs can be high, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is expected to become competitive with diesel for many heavy-duty applications, driven by falling technology costs, rising carbon pricing, and government incentives. Cenex provides detailed TCO modelling to evaluate the business case.
The Dutch government and the EU offer various incentives to stimulate hydrogen use in transport. These can include purchase subsidies for vehicles (like the DKTI-transport scheme), support for building refuelling infrastructure, and funding for research and demonstration projects.