NS729: Utilizing Hydrogen Fuel Technology for a Greener Fleet
Problem
Minnesota Executive Order 19-27 commits MnDOT to reducing fleet fossil fuel consumption 30% by 2030 and greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030. Additionally, Minnesota State Statute 16C.135 establishes a zero- and low-emission preference for new fleet vehicle purchases. As of 2022, the MnDOT fleet included more than 4,600 total vehicles and nearly half of those vehicles are classified as medium or heavy duty. Hydrogen fuel technology, specifically sustainably produced hydrogen (“green hydrogen”) offers a potentially promising alternative pathway to reducing carbon emissions from MnDOT’s fleet while continuing to meet operational and business needs. Research is needed to illustrate how hydrogen fuel technology could be implemented in vehicles such as snowplows, including the costs and benefits of investing in hydrogen fuel technology and considerations such as building design standards and fuel distribution systems.
Objective
The objective of this research is to survey existing and emerging hydrogen fuel technology applications that could be piloted in the MnDOT fleet as a strategy for cutting carbon emissions, and to identify potential costs and benefits of MnDOT investing in hydrogen fuel technology.
Previous research
See literature search.
Expected outcomes
- Evaluation of a new commercial product
- Evaluation of a new technology
Expected benefits
The numbers 1 and 2 indicate whether the source of the benefit measurement is from:
- A specific research task in your project that supports measuring this particular benefit, or
- Implementation of the research findings (anticipating positive results)
- Environmental Aspect: (1)
- Conversion of internal combustion engine (ICE) powered medium and heavy-duty vehicles in the MnDOT fleet to green hydrogen fuel could lower overall carbon emissions associated with agency operations. Environmental benefits would result from implementation of the research via application of the subject technology and would be measured in gallons of fossil fuel consumed.
- Other: (1)
- There may be additional co-benefits to implementing green hydrogen fuel technology in a public fleet that could be identified by the research.
Technical advisory panel
- Skyler Carpenter, Fleet Data Coordinator (WOOC), MnDOT Maintenance
- Mike Cirks, Fleet Manager, MnDOT Maintenance
- Lydia Anthony, Senior Planner, MnDOT Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations
- Incoming MnDOT Fleet Management Director (TBD), MnDOT Maintenance
- Incoming MnDOT Building Services Director (TBD), MnDOT Maintenance
- MnDOT district fleet manager (TBD)
- Representative from MN Department of Commerce