Air Products Pioneers Hydrogen Refuelling Network Across Europe
Key Ideas
- Air Products plans to build a network of commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling stations across Europe, strategically located near major transportation corridors.
- The stations will offer enhanced fueling technology, multiple pressure fuelling options, and onsite liquid hydrogen storage to support heavy-duty transportation.
- Collaborating with Daimler Truck, Air Products is conducting a hydrogen truck pilot project to trial Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks, aiming to convert their distribution fleet to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
- The use of liquid hydrogen in the trucks enables a range of over 1,000 kilometers and offers advantages in terms of energy density, range, performance, payload capacity, cost, and weight compared to compressed gaseous hydrogen.
Air Products has announced its ambitious plans to establish a network of permanent, commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) across Europe. These stations, strategically positioned near the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), aim to connect key locations and boost the development of a robust hydrogen ecosystem. The infrastructure will feature advanced fueling technology, various pressure fuelling choices, and on-site liquid hydrogen storage for efficient liquid fueling, catering specifically to heavy-duty transportation needs.
Air Products intends to power these HRSs with renewable hydrogen sourced from its global network, including a new hydrogen liquefaction plant in Rotterdam set to double Europe's liquid hydrogen capacity upon completion. Furthermore, the company has secured subsidies from the European Commission's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding program for several existing and planned stations.
In partnership with Daimler Truck, Air Products is conducting a groundbreaking hydrogen truck pilot project. This initiative involves using a mobile fuelling station in Duisburg to refuel Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks under real heavy-duty conditions. The collaboration aims to gather crucial insights into liquid hydrogen fueling interfaces and advance the development of a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.
Air Products' commitment to transitioning its distribution fleet to hydrogen-powered vehicles is exemplified through trials of the GenH2 trucks for transporting cylinder gases. These trucks, fueled by liquid hydrogen, offer a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, superior energy density, and increased payload capacity compared to gaseous hydrogen, making them suitable for flexible long-haul transportation.
Leaders from both Air Products and Daimler Truck emphasize the importance of comprehensive infrastructure development and cost parity with traditional vehicles for successful sustainable transportation. The collaboration underscores the commitment to safe and reliable hydrogen production, transportation, and distribution for a greener future in the transport sector.