Reducing Emissions in the Transportation Sector: A TIS Analysis of Hydrogen Trucks in the Norwegian Heavy-Duty Segment

Abstract

The chase to meet a zero-emission transportation sector is currently unfolding. However, the heavy-duty segment is proving more challenging than the passenger vehicle segment, where BEVs have already gained a significant market share, particularly in Norway. In the heavy-duty segment, multiple technologies develop simultaneously, and the needs differ from those in the passenger segment. For instance, trucks are operational for longer spans and often travel long distances. Additionally, profit margins are also something that must be considered. In this thesis, I will focus on hydrogen trucks in Norway. This includes fuel-cell electric trucks and trucks with hydrogen combustion engines – both of which are technologies that truck manufacturers are currently exploring. The activity in Norway regarding hydrogen trucks is currently limited, which is why the potential role of this technology is mainly highlighted. Consequently, barriers are more prevalent than drivers. I will use the technological innovation system (TIS) approach as my theoretical framework and analytical strategy. The functional pattern of hydrogen trucks in Norway, which is at the heart of any TIS analysis, is central to the thesis’s research questions. However, technological development does not occur in a vacuum. Therefore, I will also introduce TIS context structures to the analysis, with four main categories: technological, sectoral, geographical, and political context structures. Essentially, I will map out the status of hydrogen trucks in Norway while considering these. Some of the most critical context structures include other technologies in the heavy-duty segment, The European Union, the Norwegian power sector, and hydrogen in the Norwegian maritime sector. These can be potential drivers for hydrogen trucks in Norway, depending on the development in the coming years. In particular, this relates to the development of supportive policies. However, some context structures mentioned can also function as barriers because they represent competing technologies. The thesis is qualitative, and interviews with relevant actors represent vital data sources. Additionally, relevant documents, literature, and various strategies are also important data sources. Together, this comprises the main elements of my analysis and discussion base.

The chase to meet a zero-emission transportation sector is currently unfolding. However, the heavy-duty segment is proving more challenging than the passenger vehicle segment, where BEVs have already gained a significant market share, particularly in Norway. In the heavy-duty segment, multiple technologies develop simultaneously, and the needs differ from those in the passenger segment. For instance, trucks are operational for longer spans and often travel long distances. Additionally, profit margins are also something that must be considered. In this thesis, I will focus on hydrogen trucks in Norway. This includes fuel-cell electric trucks and trucks with hydrogen combustion engines – both of which are technologies that truck manufacturers are currently exploring. The activity in Norway regarding hydrogen trucks is currently limited, which is why the potential role of this technology is mainly highlighted. Consequently, barriers are more prevalent than drivers. I will use the technological innovation system (TIS) approach as my theoretical framework and analytical strategy. The functional pattern of hydrogen trucks in Norway, which is at the heart of any TIS analysis, is central to the thesis’s research questions. However, technological development does not occur in a vacuum. Therefore, I will also introduce TIS context structures to the analysis, with four main categories: technological, sectoral, geographical, and political context structures. Essentially, I will map out the status of hydrogen trucks in Norway while considering these. Some of the most critical context structures include other technologies in the heavy-duty segment, The European Union, the Norwegian power sector, and hydrogen in the Norwegian maritime sector. These can be potential drivers for hydrogen trucks in Norway, depending on the development in the coming years. In particular, this relates to the development of supportive policies. However, some context structures mentioned can also function as barriers because they represent competing technologies. The thesis is qualitative, and interviews with relevant actors represent vital data sources. Additionally, relevant documents, literature, and various strategies are also important data sources. Together, this comprises the main elements of my analysis and discussion base.