Hydrogen mobility: applications for public transport, logistics, rail & port

Hydrogen mobility uses H₂ as an energy source for vehicles on the road, rail and in ports/airports. Mostly by fuel cell (locally emission-free, only water vapor), alternatively by H₂ combustion depending on the use case. Strengths: short refueling times, high availability, heavy/wide-ranging applications.

For trucks/logistics (long-distance and shuttle services), local public transport buses (scheduled services), regional trains on non-electrified routes and port/ground equipment. What they all have in common is the need for fast refueling and predictable operating times.

Yes, if it is generated green, i.e. from renewable energies, and stored as needed. Fuel cell vehicles are emission-free. The overall balance depends on generation, the efficiency of the infrastructure and fleet operation. In addition, the use of green hydrogen enables sector coupling and the use of surplus electricity.

The following components are required for operation and infrastructure: H2 generation with containerized PEM electrolysers and infrastructure solutions for processing, storing, compressing and cooling hydrogen as well as refueling systems. All of this should be as modular and scalable as possible according to fleet size.

At 350 bar, buses and heavy depot applications can be supplied with high delivery rates and less system complexity, but with a shorter range per tank volume. 700 bar enables greater ranges and fast refueling, but requires pre-cooling and greater compression and is therefore more complex and expensive. The appropriate pressure level depends on the application profile, the routes and the question of whether refueling takes place in the depot or at corridor stations.

In Germany, federal, state and EU funding programs are generally available for vehicles, infrastructure and studies. For planning and approval, requirements from pressure equipment directives, explosion protection, building and immission control law, water law and operator obligations with ZÜS approvals must be observed. It makes sense to plan the funding, approval and safety concept in an integrated manner from the outset.

With a location/use-case check: analyze load profiles & cycles, define target ranges and cycle times, dimension the infrastructure layout accordingly, clarify approvals & safety, then plan implementation & operation. You are welcome to involve us in your project at an early stage.