15 February 2021
Arcola Energy and NCC launch UK Hydrogen Supply Chain Survey
Arcola Energy, the UK’s leading developer of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) electric powertrains, will lead a project funded by the […]
Arcola Energy, the UK’s leading developer of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) electric powertrains, will lead a project funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), which aims to build a strong UK supply chain to support the decarbonisation of heavy-duty vehicles – a segment that accounts for more than a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse emissions. The project will be supported by the NCC, part of the HVM Catapult, and strategy consultants E4Tech.
To support the identification of UK supply chain opportunities, the NCC and Arcola Energy are launching a UK hydrogen supply chain capability assessment through a series of surveys, with a view to develop a roadmap for future R&D and investment needs in this fast-growing segment. The final report will be available in April 2021 and will be shared with survey participants.
Hydrogen supply chain challenges & opportunity
“The heavy-duty vehicle sector is a critical area that requires decarbonisation but is still in the early stages of development and deployment,” said Richard Kemp-Harper, Strategy Director, Arcola Energy. “Across the supply chain in this sector, there are specific technical requirements that present an innovation opportunity for UK suppliers to develop capability and enter this new market for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.”
The current UK market for heavy-duty vehicles (including trucks and buses) is approximately 40,000 per year, all of which are expected to switch to zero emissions in the next 15-20 years. Of this, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) could take between 25% to 50% of the market segment.
About the NCC
The NCC is a world-leading composite research and development facility based in the UK and will act as a gateway to the wider HVM Catapult throughout this project. The NCC team will help identify supply chain opportunities for UK companies and where research and innovation are necessary for the sector to meet its potential.
The report will also provide insights to the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK on best-in-class technology targets and developments in the supply chain for future consideration.
Find out more and complete the survey here.