Durham University is among several institutions that have joined hands with the government in the hydrogen-fueled transport research. The project is part of the Network-H2 initiative funded by the prestigious UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The hydrogen-fueled transport system will be more superior than fossil fuel because it will be cheaper, environmentally friendly and built for short, medium and long distances.
A quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions is caused by road, rail, air and marine transport. This is a very significant negative effect that the fossil fuel-based transport system is leaving in our ecosystem. Long-term sustainability of our environment is not viable with this option.
Durham University has realized this and willing to invest in research on an alternative form of energy to use for our transport system. £1 million has been set aside for research on how we can use hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels. This makes sense, especially for a long journey transport and our environment. It will be cheaper and environmentally friendly. While Fossil fuels produce greenhouse gases as their byproducts, hydrogen-fueled vehicles will only produce water and heat.
Collaborations on hydrogen-fueled transport
The Network-H2 will bring experts from around the country who will share their vast knowledge and experience. It is determined to look at all the avenues to popularize the technology once a solution is reached. It will use technological, social, political and economic factors necessary to increase the use of hydrogen as a fuel. It also promises to reach out to communities to educate them about this technology.
Professor Roskilly is quoted as saying, “Network-H2 will bring together the leading experts in this field so we can establish hydrogen as a fuel of the future.”
Hydrogen-fueled vehicles efficient in long distances
Dr. Andrew Smallbone, Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering, at Durham University, was able to compare the electrical and hydrogen-based solutions. He noted that electric cars are very efficient, environmentally-friendly forms of transport for short to medium distances. He was also able to establish that the hydrogen-based solution was better when it came to long distances. He said that hydrogen-based fuels would be very efficient in long distances and for larger vehicles.
The Network-H2 has a lot of partners among them being the Department for Transport, Advanced Propulsion Centre UK Ltd, Transport Systems Catapult, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Consortium on Turbulent Reacting Flows, Energy Systems Catapult, and the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.
