Most of the big rigs travelling those highways run on diesel.
While all kinds of businesses are looking for ways to cut carbon emissions, the heavy transport sector has been considered one of the most difficult to decarbonize, as governments worldwide take aim at net-zero by 2050.
Daimler, the world’s largest maker of heavy trucks, began testing a hydrogen prototype long-haul truck this spring.
When hydrogen burns, it leaves only water behind — no carbon dioxide or other more harmful greenhouse gases.
But how clean it is depends on its source, and most hydrogen produced today is “grey,” made from natural gas using a thermal process that also creates carbon emissions.
For one, both the Alberta and federal governments have big plans to grow the “blue” hydrogen sector and create jobs, with transport as one potential market.
David Layzell, director of the Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research initiative, a partner in the project, said he doesn’t see the future as a competition between hydrogen and electrification.
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