Hydrogen is emerging as an alternative to fossil fuels in heavy-duty transport, where long range and high utilization are required, while fuel-cell vehicles stand out for their potential efficiency and cost advantages.
Both rising fuel costs, driven by geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, and ongoing efforts to fight climate change are accelerating the shift toward electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
According to data from the International Energy Agency, global electric car sales are expected to reach around 23 million by the end of the year, while demand for vehicles powered by alternative energy sources is also expected to increase.
Work on alternative-fuel transportation technologies is also continuing worldwide.
- Multinational cooperation drives green transition
Swedish truckmaker Scania and Japanese automaker Toyota have recently announced that, under the Pilot Partner program, Toyota will supply third-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles and assess the performance of electric trucks powered by the systems in logistics operations, further highlighting growing interest in hydrogen in the automotive sector.
Hiroki Nakajima, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Corp., said in a statement published on the company's website that heavy-duty transport is critical to developing hydrogen demand and infrastructure.
Hydrogen is a suitable solution for applications where long range, high utilization rates and operational efficiency are critical, Nakajima said.
He added that integrating Toyota's third-generation fuel cell system into the logistics operations of Scania customers marks an important step toward increasing the role of hydrogen mobility in Europe's heavy-duty transport sector.
Sara Forsberg, Scania's chief technology officer, said the partnership would provide an opportunity to assess the performance of fuel-cell technology in demanding real-world transport operations.
Yusuf Gunay, chairman of the Turkish Green Hydrogen Producers Association (H2DER), told Anadolu that the cooperation between the two global companies in hydrogen-powered transport is a vital example of growing focus on the green transition.
Gunay said the economic damage caused by the climate crisis, as well as its social impacts, is pushing institutions and countries toward collective action.
"The root cause of this crisis is carbon emissions, with the energy sector alone responsible for 72% of them," he said. "As the green transition evolves from an option into a necessity, green hydrogen stands out as one of our most valuable alternatives."
Because green hydrogen is produced using clean renewable electricity with zero carbon emissions, its integration into every facet of the economy, including daily life, is inevitable. And that transition is already underway, Gunay said.
- Green hydrogen emerging as key player in rail and local transport
Türkiye continues to work on hydrogen technologies and has reached an agreement with the United Kingdom on hydrogen-powered locomotives.
Green hydrogen is a strong alternative in rail transport, he underlined.
He said H2DER member Biga H2 is also pursuing a local initiative similar to the Toyota-Scania partnership.
"Work has begun on a pilot project to produce heavy-duty vehicles powered by hydrogen. Hydrogen costs and station utilization rates are challenges that can be overcome," he said.
Gunay also explained that government commitment will help complete the regulatory framework quickly. Pricing will also improve through special incentives and support for clean energy.
"A refueling station is envisaged approximately every 200 kilometers, getting started will enable broad-based development across the sector," he said.
He also emphasized that multinational cooperation is a key solution, noting that the upcoming protocol between Germany's H2Global Foundation and H2DER will serve as a powerful model.
The H2Global Foundation was established to accelerate the development of markets for clean hydrogen and other low-carbon products," he said, concluding that this cooperation highlights how the relationship between energy, transportation, and clean tech is evolving on a global scale.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
