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Transportation Goes Hydrogen

Writer's picture: Rafe ChangRafe Chang

The first commercial passenger ferry that is entirely run on hydrogen has started its pilot service for six months in San Francisco. California Air Resources Board supported the Switch Maritime project with a $3 million grant, the board also passed amendments that include the requirement for short-run ferries to be fully zero-emission by the end of 2025. While global maritime emissions account for about 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions, this hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry generates zero direct emissions, as hydrogen fuel cells operate like batteries and produce only electricity, heat, and water.


Photo credit: WETA


The adoption of hydrogen technology in the maritime sector is part of a larger push across other transportation methods. Hydrogen fuel cells are also being used to power vehicles; as of mid-2022, there are 17,000 vehicles of such kind that can be found in California, the only state with a network of hydrogen fueling stations. Hydrogen vehicles were also poorly received in Australia, with only five of them sold across the country in Q2 of 2024, contrasting the 25,353 EV sales. 73 out of the total 99 hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles sold in the U.S. during 2024 Q2 is Toyota Mirai, the car manufacturer recently debuted its hydrogen cartridges during Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2024. The device is similar to the idea of propane tanks, but lighter and smaller than its previous form. Additionally, in BC and Alberta, HTEC is building 20 hydrogen refueling stations; the company is also deploying 100 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. 


There are also attempts to incorporate hydrogen fuel cells with air transport. ATL, Airbus, Delta Airlines, and Plug Power collaborated to study the feasibility of hydrogen fueling at ATL. Universal Hydrogen successfully flew a 40-passenger aircraft powered by primary hydrogen; however, the company had been shut down due to the inability to secure sufficient financing. Another startup- ZeroAvia also successfully flew a 19-seat prototype plane that includes hydrogen fuel cells. While hydrogen fuel cell technology is making strong progress, the heavier weight of hydrogen-powered aircraft presents a significant challenge that must be addressed. 


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