Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck Showcased at Clean Energy Event by Hyzon, New Way, Recology, and US DOE - North America's First Hydrogen Refuse Collection Vehicle on Display
California's ARCHES Project Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Refuse Truck
In a significant step towards a zero-emission future, the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) unveiled North America's first hydrogen fuel cell electric refuse truck. This groundbreaking event was part of a landmark clean energy event hosted by ARCHES to celebrate a $12.6 billion investment in a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in California.
The collaboration between Hyzon, a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance hydrogen fuel cell systems, and New Way Trucks, an industry-leading refuse truck body manufacturer, resulted in the creation of this clean energy refuse truck. Recology, a pioneer in sustainable waste management, will be the first customer to trial this innovative vehicle.
Recology's CEO, Salvatore M. Coniglio, expressed the company's commitment to doing its part to help the waste recovery industry transition to a zero-emission future. Mike McLaughlin, CEO of McLaughlin Family Companies, emphasized that the hydrogen-powered refuse collection vehicle is designed to meet waste haulers' needs and kickstart the transition to clean energy.
ARCHES, one of seven hydrogen hubs selected for investment by the U.S. Department of Energy, is spearheading one of the most ambitious hydrogen infrastructure projects in the U.S. The project, backed by $1.2 billion in federal funding and $11.4 billion in public and private investments, aims to establish a clean hydrogen ecosystem in California.
ARCHES is building hydrogen production capacity from 13 renewable electrolysis systems and 2 biomass-based production sites in California. It uses liquid hydrogen infrastructure to efficiently meet increasing fuel demand, since liquid hydrogen storage and transport are more scalable and cost-effective for heavy-duty vehicle fleets compared to gaseous hydrogen.
The project coordinates across California's seven hydrogen hubs to scale infrastructure and vehicle rollouts for trucks and buses, focusing initially on fleets with return-to-base operations and repeatable routes. By integrating renewable hydrogen production with vehicle and infrastructure development, ARCHES aids the decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation, a major contributor to California's greenhouse gas emissions.
The involvement of biomass-based hydrogen production also links ARCHES to the waste management industry by utilizing organic waste streams to produce clean hydrogen, creating synergies between renewable energy and waste reduction efforts.
The demonstration of the hydrogen-powered refuse collection vehicle signals a critical shift toward zero-emission solutions in a challenging application. The vehicle, designed for demanding urban operations, offers environmental benefits and operational efficiency.
U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla attended the event, underscoring the importance of the transition to clean hydrogen. The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), represented by Michael E. Hoffman, stated that the waste industry has already adopted alternative fuels and can lead emissions reductions in the waste and recycling industry.
This network is intended to enable the decarbonization of more than 5,000 fuel cell electric trucks, marking a significant stride in California's mission to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable, zero-emission future.
- ARCHES' unveiling of the hydrogen-powered refuse truck is a significant innovation towards a zero-emission future, which is part of a larger $12.6 billion investment in a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in California.
- The collaboration between Hyzon and New Way Trucks resulted in the creation of this clean energy truck, which is designed to kickstart the transition to a hydrogen economy in the waste haulers' industry.
- ARCHES, a US DOE-selected hydrogen hub, is spearheading the construction of hydrogen production capacity using renewable electrolysis systems, biomass-based production sites, and liquid hydrogen infrastructure for efficient storage and transport.
- The NWRA has stated that the waste industry, which has already adopted alternative fuels, can lead emissions reductions in the waste and recycling industry, as this hydrogen infrastructure project aims to enable the decarbonization of over 5,000 fuel cell electric trucks.
