Nippon Gases Deutschland and the HOYER Group have unveiled the first hydrogen-powered truck for transporting dry ice, marking a significant move towards emission-free logistics solutions.
This innovative vehicle, designed specifically for this task, was handed over in Hürth, Germany, with strong support from regional authorities.
The partnership between the industrial gases provider, Nippon Gases, and logistics leader, the HOYER Group, has a history of pioneering sustainable transport. Starting with natural gas-powered trucks five years ago, their current collaboration introduces a hydrogen-powered vehicle. This step represents a noteworthy advancement towards environmentally-friendly transport solutions in the industrial gases sector.
On January 8, 2025, at Nippon Gases’ facility in Hürth, the hydrogen-powered truck was ceremonially introduced. Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia, participated as a co-driver in its first trial run, underscoring the initiative’s potential impact on sustainable transport and climate protection.
Minister Neubaur emphasized hydrogen’s role in achieving carbon-neutral freight transport. She pointed out the advantages of hydrogen-powered fuel-cell trucks, like their quick refueling and long range, which make them viable alternatives where electric vehicles face limitations. North Rhine-Westphalia supports hydrogen infrastructure growth to help reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector, vital to the region’s goal of becoming Europe’s first climate-neutral industrial area.
Nippon Gases runs its largest air separation plant in Hürth, supporting substantial industrial gas production. Currently, dry ice is produced at their site in Bad Hönningen, but from 2025, production will expand to a new facility in Zörbig, utilizing biogenic CO2. Dry ice is crucial across various industries, including food, beverage, and automotive sectors.
The hydrogen truck boasts a 450 km range and rapid refueling capabilities, making it suitable for transporting essential dry ice, particularly beneficial for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
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