In the U.S. alone, nearly 70,000 forklifts are powered by hydrogen.

Hydrogen fuel cells offer an emissions-free energy supply that can be fueled quickly and easily. They also require less maintenance compared to lead-acid batteries. But the primary reason for their adoption is simple: a fuel cell coupled with an electric motor is 2-3 times more efficient than an internal combustion engine running on gasoline.

The U.S. first identified hydrogen as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Since then, the U.S. National Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap has provided a snapshot of production, transport, storage and use in the United States. The Roadmap presents a strategic framework for achieving large-scale production and use of hydrogen for 2030 and beyond.

Several public transit agencies are exploring or already utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source for buses, striving for zero-emission fleets. But the timing and shape of this H2 evolution—what the U.S. Department of Energy refers to as “market liftoff”—is still to be determined.

From forklifts to large fleets, from bus transport to rail and even aviation, CDM Smith’s energy experts offer critical considerations for hydrogen fuel projects.