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Hydrogen engineering company Fuel Cell Systems Limited (FCSL) has been appointed as the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure partner to the HyHAUL consortium, which is developing a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for HGVs along the M4 corridor.
The rollout of the HGV hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is part of HyHAUL’s wider plans to deploy 30 hydrogen-powered HGVs by 2026, under the DfT’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
FCSL will deploy its hydrogen refuelling systems, dubbed HyFleet by FCSL, at key locations along the M4 corridor, including Reading and Avonmouth.
Each system will provide on-site hydrogen storage, compression, and dispensing capabilities designed for heavy duty logistics operations.
The project will create the UK’s first hydrogen freight corridor, with the aim of demonstrating that the technology is market ready, available, and scalable in the UK to support logistics operators in achieving net zero targets.
Dr Lee Juby, FCSL chief executive, said: “This project is about turning hydrogen freight from theory into practice, and our HyFleet systems are designed precisely for that purpose.
“HyFleet is a UK factory built, series production refuelling system, designed by our team of engineers in West Berkshire to support the scale and reliability demands of heavy-duty vehicle operations.
It builds on the success of our HyQube system, a smaller, modular unit that has been deployed across the UK and Europe since 2019 for vehicle trials and small fleet use.
“It is tried and tested technology, and we’re proud to take it to the next level through this industry first project with HyHAUL Mobility.”
Each HyFleet system will feature on-site hydrogen storage, high-capacity compression, and dispensing technology suitable for high throughput HGV operations.
The systems are designed for rapid deployment and regulatory compliance, ensuring reliable service for hydrogen fleets operating across long distance corridors.
HyHAUL is funded by the UK government through the £200m ZEHID programme. It plans to roll out 30 hydrogen-powered HGVs by next year, expanding to 300 vehicles by 2030.
Jon Perry, HyHAUL Mobility senior commercial manager, commented, “We’re excited to be working with Fuel Cell Systems to help shape the future of hydrogen refuelling in the UK.
“The deployment of HyFleet systems along the M4 is a key step in building the infrastructure needed to support zero-emission freight.
“HyHAUL is about proving that hydrogen logistics can work at scale. With the right partners and technology in place, we’re creating a practical and reliable hydrogen freight corridor that will help the industry move toward net zero.”
HyHAUL brings together a consortium of industry leaders, each contributing specialised expertise to deliver this transformative initiative:
• HyHAUL Mobility serves as the project lead, responsible for developing and owning the hydrogen refuelling station sites
• Novuna acts as the vehicle leasing partner, owning the majority of the hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks
• Scania Group will provide their first hydrogen fuel cell truck offering to the UK market via their Pilot program initiative
• Reynolds Logistics will provide the distribution, operation and safe management of tube trailers for hydrogen transport
• Protium is managing the production and sourcing of green hydrogen supply
This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive coverage of the entire hydrogen mobility value chain, from green hydrogen production through to vehicle deployment and refuelling infrastructure.
