Why hydrogen in mobility?
Only sustainably produced hydrogen can fully realize its potential in the mobility sector. Green hydrogen is generated through electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. In vehicles, it is stored in special high-pressure tanks and then converted into kinetic energy by either a combustion engine or a fuel cell. Hydrogen offers a combination of fast refueling times, substantial driving range, and is particularly well-suited for heavy-duty vehicles. This makes it a strong option for transport segments where battery-electric driving is currently less efficient.
Green Transport Delta Hydrogen
The national project Green Transport Delta Hydrogen is a leading Dutch initiative that seamlessly integrates mobility and hydrogen. Its ambitious goal is to realize a complete value chain for hydrogen applications within the mobility sector. This includes not only heavy road freight and inland shipping, but also addresses grid congestion through the use of generators powered by combustion engines and solid oxide fuel cells.
The true strength of this project lies in the close collaboration between leading partners who collectively cover the entire chain — from hydrogen production and distribution to the development of vehicles and the necessary refueling infrastructure. This cooperation demonstrates how the Netherlands uses hydrogen as a driver of both innovation and sustainability. Within this dynamic project, various RAI Automotive Industry NL members contribute their specific expertise:
• DAF focuses on the development of a hydrogen combustion engine specifically tailored to their vehicles.
• Westport Fuel Systems is working on a retrofit automotive and marine HPDI injector.
• MTEE (Mitsubishi) has designed an advanced hydrogen engine for inland shipping.
• NPS Driven has recently delivered a hydrogen generator, based on a DAF engine, which can be deployed in sensitive Natura 2000 areas.
• Bosal is developing Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) modules that enable the conversion of electricity to hydrogen and vice versa.
• VDL ETS collaborates intensively with Bosal on the development of these innovative SOFC modules.
• DLS is also closely involved in the SOFC modules, working with Bosal and VDL ETS, specifically for vehicle applications.
• DENS is innovating through formic acid, offering a CO₂-neutral approach to flexible electricity generation and energy system support — aiming for broader, safer, and more cost-effective hydrogen use.
• Resato Hydrogen Technology is investing in extensive research and testing to develop a safe and reliable hydrogen tank system for truck applications.
• Finally, TNO, TU/e, University of Groningen (RUG), and VSL provide fundamental scientific support, essential validation, and advanced testing facilities for the project.
Green SKHy
Green SKHy (Sustainable Knowledge for Hydrogen mobility) is an international project focused on the application of hydrogen in mobility solutions for medium and heavy-duty transport, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, training, and cross-border collaboration. This project is not only about technology, but also about developing the skills and education needed to scale up hydrogen applications. In this way, hydrogen becomes not just a technical solution, but also a driver of economic growth and employment — aligned with the broader European ambition for strategic autonomy in energy technologies.
Challenges
While hydrogen holds great potential, it is not (yet) a ‘silver bullet’. Currently, the production costs—especially for green hydrogen—remain significant, and the necessary refueling infrastructure is still lacking. Moreover, hydrogen systems experience efficiency losses compared to battery-electric systems. At the same time, concerns are growing over an excessive focus on battery-electric transport, particularly due to the slow development of charging infrastructure and the dependence on Chinese battery manufacturers. In contrast, hydrogen technology is largely independent within Europe and can be deployed immediately.
Collaborating for Sustainable Impact
The future of hydrogen in mobility is not a question of if, but of where and how. A recent practical test in Germany, in which a fuel cell hydrogen truck was deployed in daily transport operations for seven months and over 30,000 kilometers, delivered promising results. The truck’s performance closely matched that of a conventional diesel vehicle — a significant step forward for the applicability of hydrogen in heavy-duty road transport.
The Netherlands is also making strong progress through initiatives like Green Transport Delta Hydrogen and Green SKHy. However, successful large-scale implementation requires a clear and long-term governmental vision. While financial support is always welcome, it is less critical than having consistent policy frameworks and regulations. These will be essential to making hydrogen mobility viable in the Netherlands, in close collaboration with Dutch industry partners.
The aforementioned stakeholders are ready to invest — the government’s role lies in exploring how to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of hydrogen in mobility. Additionally, intelligent integration with energy hubs and logistics corridors will be crucial to scale hydrogen for specific applications. Thanks to the efforts of Dutch companies, robust solutions are emerging that are ready for broader deployment.
