The REVIVE (Refuse Vehicle Innovation and Validation in Europe) project, backed by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, and the HECTOR project, co-financed by Interreg Northwest Europe, started operations for two fuel cell refuse trucks in Groningen, the Netherlands.
Groningen has been actively pursuing a sustainable, zero-emission fleet, aiming to achieve a 100% carbon-neutral status by 2035. The deployment of these hydrogen refuse trucks aligns with the city’s strategy and showcases its commitment to cleaner, greener energy solutions. The fuel cell systems powering these trucks are provided by Proton Motor, a leading European supplier, and act as range extenders for E-Trucks Europe’s electric drivetrain technology.
The trucks, part of the REVIVE project, will collect smaller containers and underground household waste within the inner-city of Groningen. The hydrogen refuelling infrastructure supporting these trucks includes two stations, with hydrogen production facilitated by onsite electrolysis powered by the nearby Woltjespoor solar park. This ensures that the hydrogen used is produced in an environmentally friendly, green manner.
The deployment of these trucks not only marks a major milestone for Groningen but also contributes to the broader landscape of heavy-duty fuel cell technology in Europe. The collaboration between the REVIVE and HECTOR projects, along with other European subsidy programs, emphasizes the importance of joint efforts in developing sustainable solutions for waste collection.