Air Products' Ambitious Plan for a Hydrogen Refuelling Network in Europe
Key Ideas
  • Air Products is set to construct a network of commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling stations across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to support Europe's hydrogen ecosystem.
  • The stations will offer advanced fuelling technology, multiple pressure fuelling options, and onsite liquid hydrogen storage, with supply coming from Air Products' global network.
  • Several stations have already received subsidies from the European Commission and funding from various entities, aiming to enhance hydrogen accessibility for heavy-duty vehicles and fuel cell cars.
  • The TEN-T network is crucial for connectivity between major European cities and nodes, with a completion goal of 2030, followed by extensions in 2040 and fully comprehensive coverage by 2050.
Air Products has announced its strategic plan to establish a network of permanent, commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to bolster Europe's hydrogen infrastructure. These stations are designed to incorporate cutting-edge fuelling technology, various pressure fuelling options, and on-site liquid hydrogen storage facilities. The hydrogen supply for these stations will be facilitated through Air Products' expansive global supply chain, which includes a new hydrogen liquefaction plant being constructed in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Once operational, this plant is expected to significantly increase Europe's liquid hydrogen capacity. Multiple HRS projects by Air Products have already secured subsidies from the European Commission, with stations in Rotterdam and Hürth, Germany, currently in the commissioning phase. Additional projects include HRS' at strategic locations such as the Port of Ghent, Belgium, and the Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, which will feature Europe's first commercial-scale HRS with liquid hydrogen. The company has also obtained funding for high-capacity HRS in Mechenheim and Duisburg, Germany. Although a specific timeline for the network's completion was not provided, the TEN-T network aims to have major city connections established by 2030, with further expansions by 2040 and full coverage throughout the EU by 2050. Air Products is also extending its hydrogen initiatives to Canada, with a funding injection of CAD $57m for developing a hydrogen refuelling network along the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. This network will cater to various vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, buses, and hydrogen fuel cell cars, showcasing Air Products' commitment to advancing hydrogen infrastructure globally.
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