The H2Haul (Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks for Heavy Duty Zero Emissions Logistics) project, co-financed by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), is pleased to welcome Bosch to the consortium.
Bosch brings significant experience to the H2Haul project. The leading automotive component manufacturer will work alongside FPT Industrial, with the support of their collaboration partner PowerCell Sweden AB, on the heart of the hydrogen powertrain for all IVECO trucks in the project: the fuel cell power module.
The introduction of Bosch into the H2Haul project is a strong signal that the European industry is positioning itself as a vital part of the Green Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a key step towards fostering Europe’s industrial competitiveness in the heavy-duty transport sector as global decarbonisation efforts accelerate.
The announcement of Bosch’s participation in H2Haul comes after a historic day for the hydrogen sector: On 8 July, the European Commission’s unveiled the Communication: ‘A hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe’ and launched the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance. The Communication foresees a significant role for hydrogen in decarbonising heavy-duty transport in Europe, which is in line with industry commitments.
Fuel cell trucks are already beginning to operate on Europe’s road network while a growing number of OEMs and hydrogen infrastructure providers are positioning themselves in the heavy-duty market. H2Haul will play a vital role in accelerating the development of zero-emission European trucks that can directly replace diesel vehicles, offering the same driving range and load capacity to their operators.
Dr Uwe Gackstatter, president of the Bosch Powertrain Solutions division, said ‘Fuel cells will play an important role to reduce CO2 emissions in future mobility, for example, in long-distance use cases of heavy commercial vehicles. We are happy to join H2Haul because the joint expertise of all partners drives the hydrogen technology forward and demonstrates feasibility in operative use’.
Michael Dolman, Associate Director of Element Energy, stated ‘It is encouraging to see one of Europe’s leading automotive component manufacturers embracing fuel cells for heavy-duty vehicles. We’re delighted to welcome Bosch to the H2Haul project and look forward to a productive collaboration that will accelerate the deployment of zero-emission trucks in Europe’.
Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, said ‘A steep decarbonisation of the transport sector, including trucks, will be vital for the realisation of the Green Deal vision. Today we welcome another European technology leader in the H2haul project. We are excited to witness this strong consortium working together to ensure that fuel cells and hydrogen solutions “made in the EU” will play a central role in meeting the challenge’.
Background Information
About the H2Haul project
The H2Haul project (Hydrogen fuel cell trucks for heavy-duty, zero-emission logistics) is a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) grant funded (€12m) project deploying 16 zero-emission fuel cell trucks in four demonstration sites. The project will run for five years from 2019 and is co-financed by the FCH 2 JU under the European Union – Horizon 2020 framework programme for research and innovation under the project number 826236.
The following organisations are participating in the H2Haul project: Air Liquide, BMW, Bosch, Element Energy Limited, ElringKlinger, Eoly, FPT Industrial, H2 Energy, Hydrogen Europe, IRU Projects, IVECO, Powercell Sweden, Sphera, VDL Enabling Transport Solutions, WaterstofNet. The trucks will be operated by a German logistics company (for BMW Group logistics), Blondel, Chabas, Coop, Colruyt Group, Carrefour, ID Logistics Malherbe and Perrenot. Website: http://h2haul.eu/
About the FCH JU
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is a unique public-private partnership supporting research, technological development, and demonstration (RTD) activities in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies in Europe. It aims to accelerate the market introduction of these technologies, realising their potential as an instrument in achieving a carbon-lean energy system.
The three members of the FCH JU are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by Hydrogen Europe and the research community represented by the research grouping Hydrogen Europe Research.
Website: http://www.fch.europa.eu/
About Element Energy
Element Energy Limited is a leading low carbon energy consultancy that provides services across a wide range of sectors including transport, power generation, energy networks, and the built environment. Element Energy has worked in the hydrogen and fuel cell sector for nearly two decades and has expertise in the initiation and coordination of innovative demonstration projects.
Website: http://www.element-energy.co.uk
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