The Scottish Wholesale Association has joined forces with Arcola Energy to identify the business case for fuel cell technology in the UK’s transition to zero-emission road freight.
The Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Freight Trial (SHyFT) aims to help develop solutions to support the uptake of zero-emission trucks. Its learnings from field testing battery-electric vehicles in a real-world environment and from undertaking feasibility studies will help to design and develop cost-effective, zero-emission heavy goods vehicles and their refuelling infrastructure in the UK.
The trial will assess the opportunity for zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles with freight operators who are looking to decarbonise operations in emission-sensitive sectors such wholesale food and drink logistics – including cold chain.
The SHyFT will see Arcola deliver a demonstrator by modelling and integrating the early adopter vehicle requirements into a trial concept design and vehicle development programme. A future trial could involve a test fleet of 20-30 trucks, using three existing refuellers and adding new installations during the trial. The project will also include a total cost of ownership analysis to help operators evaluate sustainability.
Project partners also include NewCold; the University of St Andrews; BOC; and Scottish Power.
Colin Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Wholesale Association, said: “SWA’s involvement in the SHyFT project puts our sector and members at the forefront of the creation of greener fleets and creates a huge opportunity for members to be the first to transition to fuel cell HGVs.”
The SWA is hosting a webinar titled “SWA Fleet Decarbonisation Results & The Hydrogen Opportunities” on 26 August from 2.30pm to 4pm. Speakers include Arcola Energy, giving more detail about the SHyFT project; Scottish Power’s hydrogen director Barry Carruthers; and ULEMCo’s managing director Amanda Lyne.
