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Once considered a front-runner in the race to decarbonise, hydrogen continues to hold promise, with many advocates highlighting its potential to transform heavy industry. However, the high costs associated with its production, storage, and supporting infrastructure have slowed widespread adoption.
While hydrogen-powered vehicles are in operation, the infrastructure needed to support broader use — particularly for fleet operators — remains limited and costly. If hydrogen were currently a more viable option, we might see a stronger shift from diesel to hydrogen among heavy-duty truck fleets, rather than a growing preference for electrification. For now, however, economic and logistical challenges have made large-scale hydrogen deployment more difficult, delaying its role in the transition.
While electric vehicles are often seen as a straightforward path to decarbonisation, scaling up electrification — particularly for heavy-duty fleets — presents some complex challenges. It’s not just about the vehicles themselves; it also requires a robust ecosystem of charging infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and battery support programs. Much of this infrastructure is still emerging, and building it out will take time, coordination, and significant investment.
Another important consideration is grid capacity. If the electricity used to charge vehicles is still largely generated from fossil fuels, the emissions reductions may be limited. To unlock the full potential of electrification, the transition must be supported by a cleaner, greener energy mix — drawing from sources like wind and solar.
In other words, the benefits of electrification are fully realised only when the electricity used to power vehicles comes from renewable sources. Without access to clean energy, there's a risk that emissions are simply relocated — from vehicle tailpipes to power plants — rather than meaningfully reduced.
So, what’s the key takeaway? Transitioning to low-emissions mining fleets requires a holistic and flexible approach. Instead of focusing on a single decarbonisation pathway, companies are better positioned by exploring a combination of solutions, adapted to the specific needs, contexts, and economic conditions of their operations, all with the common aim of achieving meaningful and lasting emissions reductions.
The future of fleet decarbonisation is likely to involve more than a one-size-fits-all technology shift. It’s about building a connected, renewable energy ecosystem – where multiple technologies can work together to drive meaningful change. Embracing this collaborative mindset will be important in progressing toward the ambitious sustainability goals the industry is setting.
By exploring a range of options, from renewable diesel to electrification, and investing in the right infrastructure and partnerships, mining companies can move forward in a practical, flexible, and cost-effective way.
Engaging with experienced partners like GHD can help mining companies navigate the complexity and identify the right mix of technologies, infrastructure, and strategies to move forward. With the right guidance and long-term thinking, fleet decarbonisation can become both a practical and cost-effective part of the broader sustainability journey.
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