UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
FACULTY OF PHYSICS

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2024-11-23 18:33
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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2023 Meeting


Section: Physics and Technology of Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources


Title:
Hydrogen Vehicles – Opportunity for a Sustainable Future?


Authors:
Roman VOGT


Affiliation:
Reykjavik University, Iceland School of Energy, Menntavegur 1,IS-102,Reykjavík, Iceland


E-mail
romanv22@ru.is


Keywords:
hydrogen technology, fuel, vehicles, renewable energy, sustainability


Abstract:
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the sustainability of hydrogen vehicle technology in Europe. The assessment considers several dimensions, including economic, social and environmental sustainability. The results show that hydrogen technology does not meet all points of sustainability. Social sustainability is considered to be achieved, as the technology enjoys broad acceptance among the population and is expected to create new jobs. Policy guidelines, such as the European Hydrogen Road, further support the integration of hydrogen technology. Furthermore, it is necessary to address the issue of critical raw materials, in order to reduce dependence on authoritarian states and to meet sustainability. Environmental sustainability is not achieved yet, as the production of green hydrogen is still limited. The transformation to renewable electricity production is crucial to achieve environmental advantages. Economic sustainability is the biggest challenge. Battery electric vehicle technology is developing rapidly and offers low operating costs, and rapid development suggests that trucks could also be battery-powered in the future. As there is a cheap alternative to hydrogen technology for vehicles, hydrogen technology will not be economical sustainable. Taking into account a strong and stable power grid in Europe, electrification by battery-powered vehicles is the more likely scenario. In summary, hydrogen technology offers an opportunity for a sustainable future in vehicles. However, its application in conventional passenger transport is questionable. Even while social and environmental sustainability are justified, there are still questions about economic sustainability, particularly in Europe. The hydrogen technology is likely to become mainstream in certain transportation and industry application areas. In addition, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and high speed transport systems could influence the future role of hydrogen in vehicles.