Hydrogen supply chain and refuelling network design: assessment of alternative scenarios for the long-haul road freight in the UK

Shifting from fossil fuels to clean alternative fuel options such as hydrogen is an essential step in decarbonising the road freight transport sector and facilitating efficient transition towards zero-emissions goods distribution of future. Designing economically viable competitive Hydrogen Supply Chain (HSC) support accelerate widespread adoption powered Heavy Goods Vehicles (H2-HGVs) is, however, significantly hindered by lack infrastructure required for producing, storing, transporting distributing hydrogen. This paper focuses on a bespoke design supply chain network long-haul transportation UK develops improved end-to-end spatially-explicit optimisation tool perform scenario analysis provide important first-hand managerial policy making insights. The proposed methodology improves over existing grid-based methodologies incorporating locations Refuelling Stations (HRSs) allowing further flexibility accuracy. Another distinctive feature method analyses carried out pertains inclusion bulk geographically agnostic, well geological underground storage options, reporting significant cost saving opportunities. Finally, curve H2-HGVs penetration levels, safety stock period decisions, mode capacity against levelized at pump have been generated tools decision insights into cost, resilience reliability HSC.