• Transport & Mobility
  • Hydrogen Economy
  • Life Cycle Assessment
  • Scenario & Pathway Analysis

Role of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Achieving Road Transport Decarbonization: a Case Study From Taiwan

Wei-Hsuan Chen, Ian Chen, Jo-Chen Meg Lin, I-Yun Lisa Hsieh

Abstract

This study assesses the integration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to support Taiwan's 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Using life cycle assessments and vehicle fleet modeling, we analyze hydrogen production pathways and forecast greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Taiwan's on-road vehicle fleet. Despite the BEV-FCV integration scenario, we project that the road transport sector could still emit 7.83 million tonnes of GHGs by 2050—145% above the government's target. Significant challenges include inadequate policies for electrifying heavy-duty vehicles, expected to contribute 50.4% of direct emissions in 2050, and the delayed phase-out of inefficient light-duty vehicles. Transitioning heavy-duty vehicles to zero-emission alternatives could reduce emissions by around 3.95 million tonnes. Our findings highlight the essential role of FCVs and robust hydrogen technologies in achieving sustainable transport, emphasizing the need for comprehensive electrification strategies.

Keywords

Life cycle assessment; Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; Vehicle fleet dynamics; Electrification strategies; Greenhouse gas emissions

Cite (BibTeX)

@article{chen2024role,
  title={Role of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Achieving Road Transport Decarbonization: a Case Study From Taiwan},
  author={Chen, Wei-Hsuan and Chen, Ian and Lin, Jo-Chen Meg and Hsieh, I-Yun Lisa},
  journal={International Journal of Hydrogen Energy},
  volume={80},
  pages={1182-1196},
  year={2024},
  month=aug,
  doi={10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.234}
}
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