Low-Emission Hydrogen for Transport—A Technology Overview from Hydrogen Production to Its Use to Power Vehicles

Arkadiusz Małek ()
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Arkadiusz Małek: Department of Transportation and Informatics, WSEI University, Projektowa 4, 20-209 Lublin, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-32

Abstract: This article provides an overview of current hydrogen technologies used in road transport, with particular emphasis on their potential for decarbonizing the mobility sector. The author analyzes both fuel cells and hydrogen combustion in internal combustion engines as two competing approaches to using hydrogen as a fuel. He points out that although fuel cells offer higher efficiency, hydrogen combustion technologies can be implemented more quickly because of their compatibility with existing drive systems. The article emphasizes the importance of hydrogen’s source—so-called green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources has the greatest ecological potential. Issues related to the storage, distribution, and safety of hydrogen use in transport are also analyzed. The author also presents the current state of refueling infrastructure and forecasts for its development in selected countries until 2030. He points to the need to harmonize legal regulations and to support the development of hydrogen technologies at the national and international levels. He also highlights the need to integrate the energy and transport sectors to effectively utilize hydrogen as an energy carrier. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of technologies, policies, and markets, identifying hydrogen as a key link in the energy transition. In conclusion, the author emphasizes that the future of hydrogen transport depends not only on technical innovations, but above all on coherent strategic actions and infrastructure investments.

Keywords: renewable energy sources; photovoltaic–wind energy mix; hydrogen production; hydrogen bus; hydrogen refueling; hydrogen fuel cells (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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