Colruyt Group and AB Inbev are convinced that green hydrogen is a promising zero-emission solution for heavy freight transport. Both parties therefore want to further develop the market for green hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell trucks in collaboration with their transport partners.  

The collaboration means that both parties will investigate the roll-out of hydrogen trucks and filling stations on a large scale. In the next 5 years, both parties want to work together to accelerate the transition of the hydrogen economy by establishing a 360-degree H2 ecosystem: renewable hydrogen production, a network of hydrogen refueling stations and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Belgium is the initial geographical focus for this project. To develop the hydrogen ecosystem in Belgium, AB Inbev & Colruyt Group will make joint efforts: 

Phase 1: Setting up first pilot projects 

  • AB Inbev & Colruyt Group will involve their transport partners in their pursuit of zero emissions. 
  • Both parties will build up joint expertise: AB InBev will be the first supplier to use the hydrogen truck that Colruyt Group previously tested in its logistics chain (a European first). 
  • AB Inbev & Colruyt Group want to set up a ‘dedicated lane’ for the hydrogen truck between their logistics hubs. 
  • Both parties will investigate the roll-out of hydrogen trucks and filling stations. 

Phase 2: Roll-out of the first stations and trucks 

  • Hydrogen stations (with large capacity) of DATS 24, the fuel supplier of the Colruyt Group, in order to launch the market. 
  • Purchase of hydrogen trucks. 

Transition to a carbon neutral society 

Fuel cell and hydrogen technology are a promising zero-emission powertrain solution for heavy-duty trucks. There is no one-size-fits-all universal solution for the electrification of the heavy-duty vehicle industry. 

The hydrogen trucks run on electricity generated by a fuel cell on board. They use green hydrogen as fuel. Truck performance is comparable to diesel trucks in terms of daily range, refueling time and payload. The technology will play a key role in the transition to a carbon neutral society. In addition, the truck is very quiet in pure electric mode, which is in line with the pursuit of quieter deliveries to the stores. 

European cooperation 

The hydrogen truck test is part of the European pilot project ‘Hydrogen Region 2.0’ to gain know-how and experience with large-scale hydrogen applications in logistics. By sharing the experience gained on a large scale, Hydrogen Region 2.0 wants to inspire other large logistics centres to also start using hydrogen vehicles. The project is made possible with financial support from the European Union within the framework of the Interreg Flanders-Netherlands program.