The decision follows completion of a detailed joint feasibility study which provided 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 areas, both liquid and gaseous hydrogen have potential to play a role.

The two companies said they 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. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) make up 5% of vehicle miles, but were responsible for producing about 16% of UK road transport tailpipe emissions in 2019.

Richard Harding, senior vice president portfolio and integration at BP, said: “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.”

Jim Mercer, business president of BOC UK & Ireland, said: “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.”

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