Techno-Economics of a New Hydrogen Value Chain Supporting Heavy Duty Transport

Authors: Mohd Adnan Khan, David Layzell, Catherine MacKinnon, Cameron Young

To limit the increase in global warming to less than 1.5 °C, Canada and dozens of other nations have committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In the transition to a net-zero future, fuel hydrogen is envisioned to play a key role as a zero-emission energy carrier in combination with electricity made with minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions. The successful buildout of a fuel hydrogen economy will require the creation of new value chains that make hydrogen available at a reasonable cost at widely distributed locations across Canada. This report presents the design and techno-economic analyses of new value chains for delivering hydrogen from centralized production sites to fueling stations supporting heavy duty vehicles in Canada, describing opportunities for decarbonization and economic growth. It also addresses the complexity and risks that are present, followed by recommendations to mitigate these risks and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel.