A recent study by Hydrogen South West has identified Bridgwater as a critical location for hydrogen refuelling stations. The study, conducted by WSP, investigated the market demand for hydrogen as a transport fuel. It looked at various vehicle fleets, including light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses, and coaches.
Key Findings: Hydrogen Demand and Refuelling Infrastructure
The study suggests that by 2030, up to 7,000 vehicles in the region could be running on hydrogen. This represents a 2% uptake and would require up to 88 tonnes of hydrogen per day. Besides Bridgwater, other regional locations like Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, and South West Cornwall are critical refuelling locations.
Hydrogen as a Solution for the South West’s Decarbonisation Needs
Andy Clarke, Chair of Hydrogen South West, emphasised the unique decarbonisation needs of the largely rural South West. The region relies heavily on its roads for transportation, and light goods vehicle fleets dominate. Clarke noted that battery electric technology cannot meet the refuelling needs of these fleets due to several factors:
- Journey pattern and length
- Payload
- Topography
He stated that hydrogen is a far more effective solution for these challenges.
Next Steps: Building a Hydrogen Ecosystem
Stuart Cory, UK Sector Lead for Oil, Gas, and Energy Transition at WSP, expressed delight in delivering the assessment. He hoped the study would provide a baseline and vital foundations for developing a hydrogen ecosystem in the region. Next steps involve exploring hydrogen refuelling clusters at strategic locations along the M5-A38-A30 corridor. This includes projects like Dorset Green H2, Exeter H2 Hub, HyHaul, and Langage Green.
About Hydrogen South West
Hydrogen South West, the study’s commissioning body, is a partnership of regional businesses and innovators. They drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technology. Members include leading brands like easyJet, Airbus, and EDF; industrial heavyweights GKN; consultants and engineers Costain and WSP. It also includes Bristol Port, Bristol Airport, Wales and West Utilities, and Wessex Water.
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