Fujitsu and partners complete hydrogen utilisation simulation for lower-emission logistics in Belgium using digital twin technology

Fujitsu Limited has successfully completed a proof-of-concept (PoC) simulation in collaboration with Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME), Toyota's European headquarters, which is responsible for its business operations, innovation and mobility activities in Europe; Virya Energy NV/SA, a Belgian renewable energy producer and developer active in renewable hydrogen production and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure; and WaterstofNet VZW, an industry association promoting the development of the hydrogen industry in Belgium and the Benelux region. The project used Fujitsu's digital twin technology to assess the performance and operational efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell trucks in logistics operations across the Flanders region of Belgium.

The transportation industry faces the challenge of reducing its reliance on diesel vehicles and transitioning to lower-emission solutions, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, as part of broader efforts to address climate change. This transition requires tools that reflect real-world operating conditions. Traditional total cost of ownership (TCO) models focus on financial factors such as fuel prices, insurance and maintenance, but often overlook operational and infrastructure constraints.

The simulation modelled real-world logistics conditions, including traffic dynamics, speed limits and refuelling infrastructure, and compared hydrogen fuel cell trucks with battery-electric and diesel alternatives. The results showed that hydrogen fuel cell trucks can achieve refuelling and delivery times comparable to those of diesel trucks under the modelled conditions with no tailpipe CO₂, NOx or particulate matter emissions while driving [1]. 
The study also highlighted their potential role in time-sensitive logistics operations, where rapid refuelling and vehicle availability are important operational considerations. The results support a targeted approach that deploys hydrogen fuel cell trucks where range, refuelling time and vehicle availability matter most, alongside battery-electric trucks.

Beyond comparing vehicle technologies, the project demonstrated how digital twin technology can support evidence-based fleet transition and infrastructure planning. By modelling infrastructure availability, traffic dynamics and refuelling patterns, the simulation enabled the partners to evaluate different fleet decarbonisation scenarios and identify routes where hydrogen fuel cell trucks may offer operational advantages. These insights can help transport operators, infrastructure providers and policymakers make more informed investment and deployment decisions.

The project findings and simulation technology will be showcased at Fujitsu's booth 11 in Hall 11 during EU Hydrogen Week at Brussels Expo, Belgium, from 26 to 30 October 2026. Further information will be published during EU Hydrogen Week on the Fujitsu Research Technology Topics 1* website: Fujitsu Research Technology Topics. Fujitsu also invites other partners to join the conversation and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Fujitsu will continue to support data-driven hydrogen logistics planning across Europe, building on the insights gained through this collaboration.

Footnote
[1] Emissions can still occur across the lifecycle, including resource extraction, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, end-of-life treatment, and energy production. Some emissions also arise during use, such as particulate emissions from tyre and brake wear. In addition, the hydrogen used to generate electricity may be associated with CO₂ emissions, depending on how it is produced.

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Date: 15 October, 2026
City: Brussels
Company: Fujitsu Limited