The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) $3.4 million to demonstrate a new zero emission engine technology project for heavy duty trucks that will operate at the Port of Houston. The project represents the largest demonstration of heavy duty hydrogen fuel cell electric hybrid trucks (i.e. trucks that carry containers) to date. This innovative demonstration project was developed through a collaborative process with committed stakeholders that included HGAC, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Vision Industries Corporation, Total Transportation Services, Inc. (TTSI), and Air Products.
The 20-truck demonstration project at the Port of Houston will serve to accelerate the deployment of electric transportation technologies in the cargo transport sector – a sector traditionally dominated by older, dirtier heavy-duty diesel vehicles and equipment. The project will measure the operational cost-effectiveness and commercial viability of the 20 zero-emission TYRANO™ hydrogen fuel cell-electric trucks while providing goods transport. The hydrogen will be locally sourced in Houston from natural gas feedstock; trucks are expected to be operational later this year.
“Reducing harmful air pollution in Houston will save lives. EDF is excited about the demonstration of zero emission technology and congratulates the innovative partnership of industry leaders and other stakeholders who have worked to create a more sustainable vision for the future,” said Elena Craft, PhD, toxicologist at EDF.
“This announcement demonstrates how shipping industry leaders like TTSI are deploying innovative solutions to address the environmental impact of the supply chain, and CRT applauds the efforts of all of the stakeholders involved in this groundbreaking project,” said James Jack, Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation.
Expected benefits of the project include:
- Annual emissions reductions of 39 tons of nitrogen oxides and 0.8 tons of particulate matter
- Displacement of 200,000 gallons of diesel annually (equivalent to reductions in CO2 of 2,180 tons)
- Health benefits for surrounding communities
- Assist region with achievement of the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS)
The best thing about this technology? Over 80 percent of the truck components will be built and assembled in America.
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