INEOS Inovyn has announced that testing is now underway of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 heavy duty liquid hydrogen trucks for its European PVC customers. These are the first HD liquid hydrogen trucks on the continent.
As Europe's largest operator of industrial electrolysis, INEOS says it's playing a major role in the development of renewable hydrogen production, aiming to accelerate a zero-emission future.
"Hydrogen is a game-changing energy solution that will transform truck transportation and help us achieve a zero-emission future. As both a major producer and consumer of low-carbon hydrogen, INEOS is in a unique position to help drive this change. We are delighted to be working with Daimler Truck," says Wouter Bleukx, business director of hydrogen at INEOS Inovyn.
[Related: ETF calls hydrogen ICE 'pragmatic' solution to emissions problem]
Over the next 12 months, INEOS says these trucks will make an estimated 250 customer deliveries across the Rheinberg area. Assuming real-world testing goes as planned, INEOS aims to expand deliveries to Belgium and the Netherlands next year.
The Mercedes GenH2 trucks, with a range of more than 620 miles (1,000 km), are capable of carrying the same payload as their conventional diesel-powered counterparts. INEOS adds that, along with Daimler Truck, it is also working with Amazon, Air Products, Holcim, and Wiedmann & Winz during the initial fleet trials in Germany.
“INEOS is committed to reaching net zero and Daimler’s pioneering trial, is an exciting opportunity to help accelerate this transition," adds Bleukx. "We transport nearly 3 million tons of PVC annually and continually look at ways to reduce our CO2 footprint. We are Europe's largest operator of electrolysis with over 125 years of experience, but to continue bringing low carbon hydrogen solutions to market we will need significant support from governments to encourage infrastructure investment and business confidence."
This year-long trial will also provide INEOS' customers with the opportunity to reduce Scope 3 emissions and improve its green credentials.