Bridgwater Identified as Key Location for Hydrogen Refuelling Stations in South West
Key Ideas
- A study by Hydrogen South West highlights Bridgwater's importance for hydrogen refuelling stations to support commercial hydrogen vehicle fleets by 2030.
- Research conducted by WSP indicates potential market demand for hydrogen as a transport fuel for various vehicle fleets in the region.
- Other locations like Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, and South West Cornwall are also identified as critical for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
- Hydrogen South West is collaborating with regional businesses and innovators to drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technology in the South West.
The study commissioned by Hydrogen South West has pinpointed Bridgwater as a strategic location for hydrogen refuelling stations to cater to commercial hydrogen vehicle fleets in the region by 2030. Conducted by WSP, the research delved into the market demand for hydrogen as a transport fuel for utilities, logistics, freight, and passenger fleets, forecasting that by 2030, around 7,000 vehicles in the region could potentially run on hydrogen. This transition would necessitate up to 88 tonnes of hydrogen daily to support the operations of these vehicles. Alongside Bridgwater, the study also identifies other key regional locations like Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, and South West Cornwall for establishing critical hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The Chair of Hydrogen South West, Andy Clarke, emphasizes the unique decarbonization needs of the South West, highlighting the inefficiency of battery electric technology for meeting the refuelling needs of predominantly light goods vehicles in the region. The study aims to offer a foundational blueprint for regional demand and support the development of an ecosystem with hydrogen refuelling clusters at strategic locations, aligning with existing projects in the area. The collaboration between Hydrogen South West and regional businesses like easyJet, Airbus, and EDF, among others, underscores a collective effort to drive hydrogen infrastructure and technology advancement in the South West.