Air Products (NYSE: APD) has revealed plans to establish a network of permanent, commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) strategically placed along key transportation routes near the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). This critical infrastructure aims to connect major locations across Europe, promoting the development of a safe and resilient hydrogen ecosystem.
Enhanced Hydrogen Refuelling Technology
The commercial-scale stations will feature advanced fueling technology, various pressure fueling options, and eventually, onsite liquid hydrogen storage, facilitating liquid fueling. These stations will be integral to a robust European hydrogen network, ensuring reliability and convenience for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty transportation.
Renewable Hydrogen Supply
The HRSs will receive renewable hydrogen from Air Products’ global supply chain network, guaranteeing a steady energy supply for heavy-duty transportation. This includes a second hydrogen liquefaction plant under construction in Rotterdam, which will double Europe’s total liquid hydrogen capacity once operational.
Progress and Funding
Air Products is already advancing its plans. Several current and planned stations have received subsidies from the European Commission through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding program. These include:
- HRSs in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Hürth, Germany, currently in the commissioning phase
- An HRS at the Volvo Group site in the port of Ghent, Belgium
- Europe’s first commercial-scale HRS with liquid hydrogen in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium
Additionally, funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia will support the construction of two high-capacity, publicly accessible HRSs in Meckenheim and Duisburg, Germany.
Collaboration with Daimler Truck
In partnership with Daimler Truck, a leader in heavy-duty transportation and decarbonization, Air Products’ latest mobile fueling station in Duisburg is being utilized in a pioneering hydrogen truck pilot project. Five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks will refuel at this station, providing critical insights into the liquid hydrogen fueling process and aiding the development of a future-ready hydrogen ecosystem.
