While fast hydrogen refuelling technology is well-established for light, road-based vehicles, its application to heavy-duty vehicles remains challenging, in particular because of the large flow rates required (for minimising the refuelling time) and the fact that hydrogen needs to be stored in liquid form, at temperatures below 20 K (or –253 degrees C).

In this context, the EU-funded DelHyVEHR project aims to develop a high-flow rate liquid hydrogen (LH2) refuelling station, targeting aviation, maritime shipping and railroad applications. The main technologies that are developed in the project are: the cryogenic pump, the liquid hydrogen metering unit, the boil-off gas management system and the liquid hydrogen transfer systems (flexible hoses and couplings).

A demonstration of the large-scale refuelling station and of each individual technology will be performed prior to 2027, with the final goal of reaching a Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 at the end of the project. This will pave the way for the fast development of a refuelling station than can be commercialised starting with 2029.

In addition to the actual development and demonstration, the economic, environmental, and policy impacts of these technologies are also assessed during the project.

The role of EPG in the project is mostly related to the evaluation of the potential market for the refuelling station and the development of a deployment roadmap, with a focus on the policy aspects, at EU level.

Radu
Cîrligeanu

Senior Researcher