The Importance of Clean Energy in the Transport Industry

The transport industry is at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) alone contribute nearly one-fifth of domestic transport emissions, producing approximately 18.2 million metric tonnes of CO2e annually. As global and national targets for net zero emissions become more urgent, transitioning to clean energy in the transport sector is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

A Landmark Initiative for Clean Transport

The UK government’s recent announcement of 54 new charging and hydrogen refuelling hubs marks a significant step in addressing the infrastructure gap that has long hindered the adoption of zero-emission transport. The £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID) aims to deploy hundreds of electric and hydrogen-powered HGVs alongside these strategically placed hubs across the country.

The hubs will be integrated into key locations such as depots, motorway services, and arterial roads, ensuring that clean energy solutions are easily accessible for logistics companies. By doing so, the initiative aims to alleviate one of the primary concerns surrounding zero-emission freight: reliability and range.

Industry Backing and Challenges

The announcement has been met with strong support from key industry bodies such as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Logistics UK. RHA Senior Policy Lead Chris Ashley emphasised that this initiative will provide operators with much-needed confidence in transitioning their fleets away from diesel. Meanwhile, Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Zero Emission Mobility, described it as a "transformative moment" for the UK’s freight industry, as reliable infrastructure is essential for long-term sustainability.

However, while this development is a positive milestone, it is not without its challenges. Industry leaders, including Wincanton CEO James Wroath, have highlighted significant barriers to the widespread adoption of alternative fuels. Cost remains a major obstacle, with only 25% of logistics and supply chain decision-makers believing that alternative fuel vehicles will be affordable within the next four to six years. Additionally, more than half of UK logistics companies express concerns about meeting their net-zero targets without further government support.

The Role of Hydrogen and Electrification

The programme supports four key projects that address different aspects of clean transport:

eFREIGHT 2030: Focused on developing electric HGV charging hubs and articulated electric trucks for major logistics companies.
Project Electric Freightway: Led by GRIDSERVE, this initiative aims to establish a motorway-based electric charging network.
ZENFreight: A collaboration between truck manufacturers such as DAF, Scania, and Volvo, to test and deploy electric and hydrogen HGVs.
HyHAUL: A project dedicated to establishing a hydrogen refuelling supply chain along the M4 corridor.

Both electrification and hydrogen fuel play vital roles in the future of clean transport. Electric HGVs are ideal for short- to medium-haul routes, where charging infrastructure can be conveniently located along major logistics hubs. Meanwhile, hydrogen-powered HGVs present a viable solution for long-haul freight, where fast refuelling and extended range are crucial.

Overcoming Infrastructure and Investment Barriers

While the planned infrastructure is a significant step forward, industry leaders stress the importance of continued investment and policy support. Logistics UK has called on the government to expand its focus beyond electric and hydrogen solutions by considering low-carbon fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). HVO can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% and can be used immediately in existing diesel engines, providing a more accessible transitional solution for businesses.

Additionally, Moto, a major motorway services operator, has committed to installing up to 300 electric HGV charging bays at 23 strategic locations by 2030. The construction of the first two superhubs in Exeter and Tamworth is set to begin in April, further strengthening the infrastructure required for a cleaner transport network.

The Path to a Sustainable Future

The transport sector plays a critical role in achieving net-zero targets, and clean energy adoption is at the heart of this transformation. While the UK’s commitment to infrastructure development is commendable, further collaboration between government, industry, and technology providers is necessary to overcome cost barriers and accelerate the rollout of clean energy solutions.

Businesses that invest early in zero-emission technology will not only contribute to environmental sustainability but will also gain a competitive advantage in a market increasingly focused on green logistics. The time to act is now—through continued investment, innovation, and policy support, the transport industry can lead the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.