Worldwide Expansion of Hydrogen Refuelling Stations: Progress and Challenges
Key Ideas
- In 2024, 125 new hydrogen refuelling stations were opened globally, with significant numbers in Europe, China, South Korea, Japan, and North America.
- Asia leads in the number of hydrogen refuelling stations, with China having the highest count at 384 stations.
- Europe's hydrogen infrastructure is growing but still relatively limited, with Germany being the leader in the region with 113 stations.
- Progress is seen in North America, with California having the highest number of refuelling stations, although the network in the rest of the continent remains underdeveloped.
In 2024, the global expansion of hydrogen refuelling stations saw the opening of 125 new stations worldwide. Europe, China, South Korea, Japan, and North America all contributed to this growth. Asia, particularly China, leads in the number of operational refuelling stations, with Germany taking the lead in Europe. North America, notably California, shows progress in station numbers. However, the overall hydrogen infrastructure remains sparse in many regions, hindering widespread adoption. LBST GmbH's analysis, as presented by H2stations.org, highlights both the advancements and challenges in the hydrogen refuelling network. Despite the positive growth, experts suggest that battery-electric mobility might dominate the automotive sector, leaving hydrogen as a potential energy source for aircraft and trucks due to efficiency concerns. The need for a denser network of refuelling stations is emphasized, pointing out the disparities in station distribution, especially outside regions like California. The continual expansion plans for more refuelling sites worldwide indicate a positive trajectory for hydrogen infrastructure, albeit with uncertainties regarding station closures. The maps provided by H2stations.org offer valuable insights for stakeholders and industry players, highlighting the current landscape of hydrogen refuelling stations globally.