Gotland becomes a testbed for hydrogen transport
“If we succeed, Gotland could become a model for the transport sector’s green transition,” says Vasiola Zhaka, a researcher at the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering. Photo: Daniel Olsson
Is hydrogen fuel an option for the social transition required to achieve a more fossil-free future? What infrastructure and refuelling systems are needed, and how can hydrogen be stored safely? We asked Vasiola Zhaka, a researcher at the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering who is engaged in several hydrogen-related projects at Campus Gotland.
You recently received major funding for a research project. What is it about?
“It focuses on hydrogen as a fuel for the maritime sector and land transport, with Gotland’s ferries and Visby port as the main case study. Gotland is an ideal starting point because of Gotlandsbolaget’s initiative to adopt hydrogen as fuel in its future fleet, as well as the island’s road transport system, which is transitioning towards alternative fuels.”
What makes this project important?
“The transport sector needs sustainable fuels, and hydrogen is a strong candidate. But there are challenges – from storage and refuelling systems to safety standards and costs. That’s why we’re combining infrastructure studies with fundamental research like thermodynamic modelling. For example, when refuelling, compressed hydrogen can heat up from 20°C to over 100°C, while tanks only tolerate about 80–85°C. We simulate these processes to find safe, efficient solutions.”
Who are involved?
“We work with several partners. The main entity, Gotland Tech Development, has supported all our research initiatives so far. Within this project, RISE focuses on safety, while IVL concentrates on environmental aspects, and we focus on techno-economic perspectives. Our group at Campus Gotland is small but growing, with researchers, PhD students and new staff working on both infrastructure and onboard fuel systems. It’s very collaborative, since the questions are complex.”
What are the biggest challenges?
“First, storing large amounts of hydrogen. Second, the lack of clear safety standards. Third, the high costs – hydrogen today is far more expensive than fossil fuels. Without political support and increased production, it’s hard to compete. But step by step – with hybrid solutions and other alternative fuels alongside hydrogen – we can move towards the climate goals.”
What do you hope to have achieved by 2029 when the infrastructure projects end?
“That we’ll have gone from simulations to a possible real pilot storage and refuelling system infrastructure here on Gotland. We want to demonstrate a safe, efficient hydrogen infrastructure that can serve both ships and land transport. If we succeed, Gotland could become a model for the transport sector’s green transition.”
Daniel Olsson
Two new research projects on hydrogen
The hydrogen group at the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Campus Gotland, has been awarded grants totalling approximately SEK 18 million for two new projects.
- Compressed hydrogen in marine propulsion systems (Swedish Transport Administration, approx. SEK 6 million). Four-year project starting in 2026 studying hydrogen storage and piping systems on board ships. Includes a doctoral student placed on Campus Gotland.
- Sustainable and resilient hydrogen infrastructure (Swedish Energy Agency, approx. SEK 12 million). Four-year project starting in 2026, implemented in collaboration with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Luleå University of Technology and RISE.