The decision to scrap the HyHAUL hydrogen project has raised concerns across the road transport sector, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

Reacting to the announcement, Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said the project’s discontinuation was worrying, particularly given its ambition to expand hydrogen refuelling capacity along the M4 corridor ahead of a wider national rollout. HyHAUL was set to deploy up to 30 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, supported by dedicated hydrogen transport systems and three refuelling stations.

The project was expected to form a key part of the ZEHID programme and provide vital infrastructure for hard-to-decarbonise operations such as long-distance and heavy haulage. Smith emphasised the importance of understanding why the project had been discontinued, warning that its closure represents a setback for the sector’s decarbonisation efforts.

With high costs and limited infrastructure still restricting the uptake of zero-emission HGVs, the RHA believes a broader range of viable options is needed if diesel phase-out targets are to be met. Smith reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to working with government, industry and stakeholders to incentivise and accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles.

Photo: Richard Smith.