bp and BOC complete joint hydrogen supply network study in UK

bp and BOC, a Linde company, have completed a detailed joint feasibility study exploring optimised designs for a  potential hydrogen distribution and supply network for heavy-duty transportation in the United Kingdom. The nine-month study  provided important technical insights into requirements and options for hydrogen distribution, station design  considerations, and dispensing costs for heavy-duty transport applications.  

The study concluded that, in the near-term, distribution of hydrogen as compressed gas via road trailer is the best  option to stimulate the UK market for hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty transport. Over the longer term, as the market  expands into new geographies, both liquid and gaseous hydrogen have potential to play a role. bp and BOC are now  exploring opportunities to collaborate to design and deploy an initial network for heavy-duty transport hydrogen  refuelling infrastructure in the UK.  

Reducing emissions from heavy-duty transportation can make an important contribution to meeting the UK’s climate  goals. While making up just 5% of vehicle miles, heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs) accounted for around 16% of UK road  transport tailpipe emissions in 2019.  

“Our customers in hard-to-abate sectors, such  as heavy-duty transport, are demanding low-carbon alternative fuels. They need and want to decarbonise. Cutting  HGV emissions requires new infrastructure, and by bringing together our technical expertise, understanding of the  supply chain, and insights from our customers, I am confident that together we can do more to drive change at pace  for our customers,” said Richard Harding, senior vice president portfolio & integration, bp.  

“If we are to meet net zero targets, tackling road freight  emissions needs to happen now. This study shows us the optimal ways in which hydrogen can be used to help decarbonise the UK freight sector and BOC is proud to bring its extensive experience and expertise to this collaboration with bp, as we look at opportunities to deliver a hydrogen refuelling network for the UK’s Heavy Goods  Vehicle market,” said Jim Mercer, Business president, BOC UK & Ireland.  

In addition to the transport sector, bp and BOC are working with sectors that have significant carbon emissions to  manage, to help them to decarbonise.