Westport demos hydrogen reefer capability

Westport Fuel Systems recently completed a “first-of-its-kind” heavy-duty transport demonstration with its H2 HPDI fuel system-equipped prototype truck hauling a refrigerated trailer in Madrid, Spain, representing an “important step forward” in decarbonization.

“Westport’s H2 HPDI fuel system, which powers an internal combustion engine, represents a practical solution that offers the sustainability needed to support climate neutrality in the heavy transport sector,” Anders Johansson, Westport vice president of HD OEMs, said in a news release. “It is inspiring to see our H2 HPDI prototype truck being tested by a major industry player, demonstrating the efficient delivery of fresh products to a supermarket logistics center.”

The collaboration between Westport and key transportation and energy partners includes:

• Disfrimur SL, a transport and logistics company, performing refrigerated goods transportation services, committed to efficient and sustainable transport
• Enagás’ Subsidiary Scale Gas, an energy infrastructure company, responsible for refueling the vehicle at its Madrid hydrogen refueling station
• Versallis Tech Services, a hydrogen and renewable energy services consulting firm, providing technical support and coordination of the operation

“We hope this demonstration will help raise awareness of how hydrogen can contribute to cleaner heavy transport today, with a competitive total cost of ownership compared to traditional fossil fuel technologies,” said José López-Gallego, COO of Versallis.

The demo was made possible by Mercadona, a Spanish supermarket chain, which successfully implemented the test by carrying out a distribution service in Madrid, thus contributing to the progress toward more sustainable logistics.

“We unquestionably need affordable heavy-duty hydrogen fueled trucks to help our customers like Mercadona achieve their transport decarbonization goals,” Disfrimur CEO Juan J. Sanchez said. “Trucks equipped with Westport’s H2 HPDI fuel system are the solution to our needs today; a technology that is affordable and fits our operational needs, powered by hydrogen.

“We believe that truck manufacturers should offer this type of high-efficiency, hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty vehicle.”

The collaborating companies have demonstrated their capabilities in their different fields, building a comprehensive and pioneering initiative at a national level that paves the way toward sustainable and efficient transport in the Spanish capital using a carbon-free fuel, Westport concluded.

“Thanks to this trial, in which we have contributed with our experience in small scale infrastructure for mobility, we have taken another step forward in our commitment to decarbonize the transport sector, and incorporate hydrogen into our portfolio of infrastructure solutions for the heavy-duty transport sector,” said Miguel A. Castro Pérez, Scale Gas general manager of mobility.