Understanding Hydrogen Refuelling for H2X Global Vehicles in Europe and the UK
As a leading manufacturer of hydrogen-powered vehicles, H2X Global is acutely aware of the importance of accessible and reliable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for our customers. Although this is not our primary area of expertise, a thorough understanding of the current landscape and future prospects of hydrogen refuelling is essential, particularly in our key markets of Europe and the UK.
Public Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure
The hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in Europe and the UK is expanding rapidly. According to recent reports, the market for hydrogen refuelling stations is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is fuelled by the increasing demand for clean transportation and the adoption of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). Significant investments from both the public and private sectors are propelling this expansion. As of now, Europe hosts a growing number of hydrogen refuelling stations, with substantial growth plans underway.
Graphical illustration from European Hydrogen Observatory
(https://observatory.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/hydrogen-landscape/distribution-and-storage/hydrogen-refuelling-stations)
Hydrogen Hub Projects
Hydrogen hubs are collaborative projects designed to concentrate hydrogen production and usage in specific areas, facilitating easier access to hydrogen for various applications, including transportation. These hubs are often located near industrial zones where hydrogen byproducts are readily available, reducing transportation costs and enhancing supply reliability. In Europe, numerous hydrogen hub projects are underway. These hubs not only provide a stable supply of hydrogen but also help integrate hydrogen into the energy grid, making it a more viable and accessible fuel option. For instance, the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative aims to create a pan-European hydrogen transport network, linking hydrogen production sites with major demand centres.
Hydrogen Price Trend
The cost of hydrogen is influenced by various factors, including production methods and market demand. Currently, the levelised cost of producing renewable hydrogen is about 4.5 to 6.5 USD per kilogram. However, this cost is expected to decline to 2.5 to 4.0 USD/kg by 2030 due to technological advancements and economies of scale.
Addressing Concerns and Future Outlook
While concerns about hydrogen refuelling infrastructure are valid, it is crucial to recognise the significant strides being made to address these challenges. The growing network of hydrogen refuelling stations, combined with the strategic use of hydrogen byproducts and hub projects, ensures that hydrogen will become increasingly accessible. For potential customers and partners, it is important to understand that hydrogen is already widely available in many areas and that this availability will continue to improve. By leveraging both public infrastructure and localised hydrogen production from industrial byproducts, the barriers to adopting hydrogen-powered vehicles are steadily decreasing.
Advancements in Hydrogen Infrastructure
To support the growing number of FCEVs in Europe, many countries are endorsing the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations. The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) requires deploying hydrogen refuelling stations from 2030 onwards in all urban nodes and every 200 km along the TEN-T core network. By May 2023, Europe had 178 operational hydrogen refuelling stations, a tenfold increase over ten years, with the majority using 700 bar dispensers suitable for H2X vehicles.
European infrastructure hydrogen projects: The REPowerEU Plan introduced actions to rapidly accelerate the green transition. To expedite hydrogen project development, REPowerEU set a target of 10 million tonnes of domestic renewable hydrogen production and 10 million tonnes of imports by 2030. Accelerated efforts are needed to deploy hydrogen infrastructure for producing, storing, importing, and transporting 20 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030, significantly contributing to decarbonising the economy while ensuring supply security. ENTSOG, GIE, CEDEC, Eurogas, GEODE, GD4S, in cooperation with the European Hydrogen Backbone, initiated a bottom-up process to gather all relevant hydrogen infrastructure projects, presenting the data in an interactive, user-friendly, and publicly accessible map for stakeholders and policymakers.
Source: The European hydrogen market landscape November 2023 (Report 01) – European Hydrogen Observatory
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) Market Evolution
The FCEV market in Europe has seen significant growth, driven by the expanding refuelling infrastructure and supportive regulations. The adoption of FCEVs is expected to accelerate as hydrogen refuelling becomes more accessible and cost-effective.
Conclusion
At H2X Global, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge hydrogen-powered vehicles that contribute to a sustainable future. While our expertise lies in vehicle manufacturing, we recognise the importance of a robust hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to support our products. The current and projected developments in hydrogen refuelling across Europe and the UK, combined with the innovative use of industrial hydrogen byproducts, provide a solid foundation for the growth of hydrogen-powered transportation. We encourage our readers to explore the resources provided, such as the European Hydrogen Observatory and H2-Map, to stay informed about the expanding hydrogen refuelling network. Together, we can drive the adoption of clean energy and pave the way for a zero-emissions future.