alternative fuel | Crossroads

Minnesota Executive Order 19‑27 and State Statute 16C.135 set ambitious goals for MnDOT to reduce fleet fuel consumption and emissions by 2030 while prioritizing zero‑ and low‑emission vehicle purchases. Hydrogen fuel technology is being explored as a promising option to help meet these requirements without compromising operational needs. The research aims to assess existing and emerging hydrogen applications suitable for MnDOT’s medium‑ and heavy‑duty vehicles, compare hydrogen’s life‑cycle impacts with conventional fuels, and outline potential pathways for converting MnDOT’s fleet to hydrogen technologies.

To receive email updates about this project, visit MnDOT’s Office of Research & Innovation to subscribe.

“The use of hydrogen as a transportation fuel in Minnesota is in its infancy,” said Jed Falgren, P.E., MnDOT’s state maintenance engineer and office director for the Office of Maintenance. “While no commercial hydrogen fuel market exists in Minnesota today, this research will help us identify how we can best leverage the technology if/when it becomes available. Early identification of best practices can help us lower implementation costs in the future, and this continues our effort to identify fossil fuel alternatives that are safe and effective.”

The project anticipates several key benefits, including lower life‑cycle costs, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and insights into the safety and risks associated with hydrogen adoption. Expected outcomes include evaluating hydrogen‑powered fleet technologies from economic, environmental, and social perspectives, as well as identifying the strengths and limitations of different hydrogen systems. Together, these efforts could help position MnDOT as a leader in sustainable fleet management and support broader adoption of hydrogen infrastructure across Minnesota.

“The transportation strategies of today won’t get us to the Minnesota of tomorrow,” said Beth Croteau-Kallestad, sustainable transportation planning director in MnDOT’s Office of Sustainability and Public Health. “We’re excited to see MnDOT exploring fueling options that support health, reduce emissions and strengthen Minnesota’s future.”

The Objectives:

To conduct a comprehensive survey of existing and emerging hydrogen fuel technologies suitable for MnDOT’s medium‑ and heavy‑duty vehicles.
To evaluate the feasibility of these technologies for MnDOT’s operational needs.
To perform a comparative life‑cycle assessment of conventional fuels versus hydrogen considering economic, environmental, and social impacts.
To develop tentative plans for converting portions of the MnDOT fleet to hydrogen fuel systems.

Project Details: