The document is dedicated to analyzing potential applications of hydrogen as a fuel for road, rail, and lake transport.
For road transport, it provides an update on the technical and economic potential of adopting hydrogen buses, comparing them with other propulsion options. It also examines opportunities arising from advanced energy supply management (such as Power Purchase Agreements and participation in the Dispatching Services Market) and regulatory aspects (partial exemptions from system charges, conditions for “energy-intensive” businesses). The document specifically addresses the interaction between public road transport and electricity distribution networks. Similar considerations are made regarding private and freight road transport.
Additionally, a feasibility analysis was conducted on the conversion to hydrogen for lake navigation and three public transport lines in Venice, considering various types of vessels and hydrogen supply methods. Finally, for public transport, an analysis was performed on currently diesel-powered rail lines, comparing hydrogen use with network electrification in two case studies (Sardinia region and Trento-Bassano del Grappa).
The analyses confirm that current technologies make some transport sector applications potentially feasible, but the cost of hydrogen supply remains the main factor making H2 technologies less advantageous compared to traditional propulsion. For private transport, the need to develop a balanced charging infrastructure is also confirmed.