Authorities in Wales have launched a pilot project comparing hydrogen-powered and battery-electric refuse collection vehicles, as part of efforts to identify effective zero-emission solutions for municipal fleets.
The demonstration is taking place in South East Wales and aims to collect real-world data on energy use, driving range and operational performance. The findings are expected to help inform future decisions on the deployment of low-emission heavy-duty vehicles for public services.
The project has received more than £420,000 in funding from the Welsh Government through its Climate Innovation and Circular Economy programmes. It is being coordinated by Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), a regional partnership that includes ten local authorities across South East Wales.
Engineers and fleet managers participating in the initiative will monitor factors including energy consumption, vehicle range, operational efficiency and how the technologies perform across different routes and terrain. According to CCR, the goal is to generate practical insights that can guide investment decisions related to zero-emission heavy-duty transport.
“Heavy-duty fleets are one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, and by bringing hydrogen and electric technologies together in a real-world environment, we’re helping local authorities make informed, future-proof decisions,” said Mike Brough.
Officials say the trial aligns with broader climate policies in Wales aimed at cutting emissions in sectors where electrification and alternative fuels are still developing.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies said the initiative represents an important step for climate innovation in the region.
“Our investment in this project, in a hard-to-decarbonise sector, represents an important development for climate innovation in Wales,” Irranca-Davies said.
Local authorities involved in the pilot also highlighted the role that zero-emission vehicles could play in municipal services. Amanda McConnell said the introduction of the vehicles marks progress toward local sustainability targets.
“The trial of these new vehicles represents an important milestone in our commitment to sustainability,” McConnell said.
