Periodic Reporting for period 7 - REVIVE (Refuse Vehicle Innovation and Validation in Europe)
Reporting period: 2024-07-01 to 2024-12-31
The REVIVE (Refuse Vehicle Innovation and Validation in Europe) project, co-financed by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, addresses a key challenge in urban waste management: the need for zero-emission solutions to reduce air pollution and comply with upcoming city regulations targeting carbon emissions. Heavy-duty refuse trucks, which are vital for waste collection, are traditionally powered by fossil fuels and contribute significantly to urban pollution. REVIVE aims to demonstrate that hydrogen fuel cell technology can provide a clean, sustainable alternative for these vehicles.
This issue is critically important for society as cities worldwide strive to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transition to cleaner energy systems. Urban populations, waste workers, and the environment all stand to benefit from the adoption of low-noise, zero-emission vehicles in waste management. By reducing harmful emissions, hydrogen-powered refuse trucks contribute to healthier living conditions and support cities in meeting ambitious climate goals.
The REVIVE project aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks across Europe by proving their technical and operational viability in urban settings. It will integrate systems from three major suppliers, develop effective hardware and control strategies, and work on standardization to benefit all OEMs. The project will also raise awareness of hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-duty vehicles and hydrogen mobility in general through visible demonstration activities.
This issue is critically important for society as cities worldwide strive to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transition to cleaner energy systems. Urban populations, waste workers, and the environment all stand to benefit from the adoption of low-noise, zero-emission vehicles in waste management. By reducing harmful emissions, hydrogen-powered refuse trucks contribute to healthier living conditions and support cities in meeting ambitious climate goals.
The REVIVE project aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks across Europe by proving their technical and operational viability in urban settings. It will integrate systems from three major suppliers, develop effective hardware and control strategies, and work on standardization to benefit all OEMs. The project will also raise awareness of hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-duty vehicles and hydrogen mobility in general through visible demonstration activities.
Over the course of the project, 11 hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks were deployed in seven European cities. These deployments showcased how hydrogen technology can decarbonize waste collection while maintaining the flexibility and reliability required for demanding urban operations. Combined, these trucks have reached:
>72,000 km driven
8,100 kg H2 used
13,140 kg waste collected
68 tons of CO2 savings
1,100 refills
15 min average refill time
5,200 FC hours
The REVIVE project developed a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) / Life Cycle Cost (LCC) model to compare the costs of hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks with diesel and battery-electric alternatives for 2024–2030 using data from operational vehicles. A Life Cycle Assessment provided insights into the environmental benefits of zero-emission waste collection, showing significant emissions savings. The project also created a framework for standardizing fuel cell system integration into electric trucks, including safety and reliability assessments, and identified key challenges to the adoption of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCHVs), especially for heavy-duty trucks and refuse collection vehicles.
Main dissemination activities:
1. Development of Dissemination Materials and Platforms:
Creation of a project website and social media channels (X/Twitter and LinkedIn) to provide updates on project milestones, activities, and outputs.
Production of physical materials, such as brochures and roll-up banners, to promote the project at industry events, ensuring accessible communication for diverse audiences.
Finalization of a promotional video showcasing the deployment of REVIVE hydrogen refuse trucks, featuring interviews with stakeholders, and disseminated online and at events.
2. Collaboration and Synergy:
Collaboration with other European hydrogen projects (HECTOR, LIFE N Grab Hy, JIVE 2), leveraging their channels for joint dissemination and knowledge-sharing.
Observer Group creation and management, ensuring continuous engagement with key stakeholders such as municipalities, fleet operators, and industry experts.
3. Engagement Through Events:
Participation in and organization of workshops, roundtables, and conferences with policymakers, industry professionals, and the public.
Successful hosting of four key workshops throughout the project, including a final roundtable in Groningen, sharing operational data and lessons learned.
Contributions to the European Sustainable Energy Week, Clean Hydrogen Partnership events, and other key conferences.
4. Communication to Policymakers and Industry:
Press releases highlighting milestones, such as the first truck delivery and Groningen deployments, with emphasis on REVIVE's role in advancing hydrogen mobility.
Active participation in policymaker workshops, providing recommendations for scaling hydrogen mobility technologies in alignment with the European Green Deal and AFIR policies.
5. Observer Group Initiatives:
Dedicated webinars and workshops for the Observer Group, facilitating knowledge transfer on operational challenges and solutions in hydrogen refuse truck deployment.
Participation in other projects’ final events, to jointly present findings and reach broader audiences.
>72,000 km driven
8,100 kg H2 used
13,140 kg waste collected
68 tons of CO2 savings
1,100 refills
15 min average refill time
5,200 FC hours
The REVIVE project developed a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) / Life Cycle Cost (LCC) model to compare the costs of hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks with diesel and battery-electric alternatives for 2024–2030 using data from operational vehicles. A Life Cycle Assessment provided insights into the environmental benefits of zero-emission waste collection, showing significant emissions savings. The project also created a framework for standardizing fuel cell system integration into electric trucks, including safety and reliability assessments, and identified key challenges to the adoption of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCHVs), especially for heavy-duty trucks and refuse collection vehicles.
Main dissemination activities:
1. Development of Dissemination Materials and Platforms:
Creation of a project website and social media channels (X/Twitter and LinkedIn) to provide updates on project milestones, activities, and outputs.
Production of physical materials, such as brochures and roll-up banners, to promote the project at industry events, ensuring accessible communication for diverse audiences.
Finalization of a promotional video showcasing the deployment of REVIVE hydrogen refuse trucks, featuring interviews with stakeholders, and disseminated online and at events.
2. Collaboration and Synergy:
Collaboration with other European hydrogen projects (HECTOR, LIFE N Grab Hy, JIVE 2), leveraging their channels for joint dissemination and knowledge-sharing.
Observer Group creation and management, ensuring continuous engagement with key stakeholders such as municipalities, fleet operators, and industry experts.
3. Engagement Through Events:
Participation in and organization of workshops, roundtables, and conferences with policymakers, industry professionals, and the public.
Successful hosting of four key workshops throughout the project, including a final roundtable in Groningen, sharing operational data and lessons learned.
Contributions to the European Sustainable Energy Week, Clean Hydrogen Partnership events, and other key conferences.
4. Communication to Policymakers and Industry:
Press releases highlighting milestones, such as the first truck delivery and Groningen deployments, with emphasis on REVIVE's role in advancing hydrogen mobility.
Active participation in policymaker workshops, providing recommendations for scaling hydrogen mobility technologies in alignment with the European Green Deal and AFIR policies.
5. Observer Group Initiatives:
Dedicated webinars and workshops for the Observer Group, facilitating knowledge transfer on operational challenges and solutions in hydrogen refuse truck deployment.
Participation in other projects’ final events, to jointly present findings and reach broader audiences.
Progress Beyond the State of the Art:
REVIVE has significantly advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology by integrating systems from two European manufacturers and proving their effectiveness in real-world operations. This marks a major step forward, with extensive testing across diverse conditions. By deploying Europe's largest fleet of hydrogen-powered refuse trucks, the project raised the technology readiness level (TRL) from 6 to 8, showing that these vehicles are ready for broader deployment and commercial scaling.
The project successfully integrated fuel cell systems from Proton Motor and PowerCell. These achievements illustrate the capability of European manufacturers to produce reliable and effective fuel cell systems. While mainstream truck OEMs were not directly involved, the project’s outreach and workshops have engaged key stakeholders, showcasing the potential of fuel cell technology in zero-emission vehicle roadmaps.
By the end of the project, REVIVE has:
• Demonstrated that hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks are a viable and scalable option for zero-emission waste collection.
• Accelerated the commercialization of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in Europe by providing evidence of their reliability and efficiency in demanding urban operations.
• Raised awareness of hydrogen mobility and its potential among public authorities, industry stakeholders, and the general public through the high visibility of the trucks in urban areas.
The project has shown that hydrogen-powered trucks can significantly increase hydrogen consumption compared to light vehicles, enhancing the use of refueling stations and supporting the broader rollout of hydrogen mobility.
Socio-Economic and Wider Societal Impacts:
REVIVE helps reduce global and local air pollution, creating healthier urban living conditions. The adoption of zero-emission waste collection can inspire ambitious local policies, aiding cities in achieving decarbonization targets. Additionally, the project has created green jobs related to hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle maintenance, contributing to a sustainable hydrogen economy.
In conclusion, REVIVE has successfully demonstrated that hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks are not only technically viable but also essential for the clean energy transition, supporting Europe’s journey toward a sustainable and zero-emission future.
REVIVE has significantly advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology by integrating systems from two European manufacturers and proving their effectiveness in real-world operations. This marks a major step forward, with extensive testing across diverse conditions. By deploying Europe's largest fleet of hydrogen-powered refuse trucks, the project raised the technology readiness level (TRL) from 6 to 8, showing that these vehicles are ready for broader deployment and commercial scaling.
The project successfully integrated fuel cell systems from Proton Motor and PowerCell. These achievements illustrate the capability of European manufacturers to produce reliable and effective fuel cell systems. While mainstream truck OEMs were not directly involved, the project’s outreach and workshops have engaged key stakeholders, showcasing the potential of fuel cell technology in zero-emission vehicle roadmaps.
By the end of the project, REVIVE has:
• Demonstrated that hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks are a viable and scalable option for zero-emission waste collection.
• Accelerated the commercialization of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in Europe by providing evidence of their reliability and efficiency in demanding urban operations.
• Raised awareness of hydrogen mobility and its potential among public authorities, industry stakeholders, and the general public through the high visibility of the trucks in urban areas.
The project has shown that hydrogen-powered trucks can significantly increase hydrogen consumption compared to light vehicles, enhancing the use of refueling stations and supporting the broader rollout of hydrogen mobility.
Socio-Economic and Wider Societal Impacts:
REVIVE helps reduce global and local air pollution, creating healthier urban living conditions. The adoption of zero-emission waste collection can inspire ambitious local policies, aiding cities in achieving decarbonization targets. Additionally, the project has created green jobs related to hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle maintenance, contributing to a sustainable hydrogen economy.
In conclusion, REVIVE has successfully demonstrated that hydrogen fuel cell refuse trucks are not only technically viable but also essential for the clean energy transition, supporting Europe’s journey toward a sustainable and zero-emission future.