Hydrogen refuelling project enters second phase

Second stage of pan-European H2ME programme receives 35 million Euos boost from ITM Power

A project aimed at deploying hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across Europe entered its second phase this week in a bid to cut harmful emissions.

The six-year Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME) programme, which has been divided into two overlapping stages, brings together 37 partners from across the continent to test the ability of hydrogen-refuelling stations.

A Transport for London hydrogen vehicle fuelling station in Stratford

Its name is taken from a collaboration between national H2 Mobility initiatives from across Europe which aims to coordinate activities and helps support the early roll out of hydrogen vehicles.

H2ME 1 was announced in September 2015 and plans for 300 fuel cell vehicles and 29 hydrogen-refuelling stations. Launch of the second phase includes the deployment and operation of 1,230 fuel cell vehicles, and the addition of 20 extra hydrogen-refuelling stations to the European network.

Together, the two stages will form the largest EU-funded programme for hydrogen mobility and FCEV development ever undertaken.

Ben Madden, director of Element Energy and project coordinator for H2ME 1 and H2ME 2, said: “Our aim has been to help bring the key businesses and public bodies investing in hydrogen mobility in Europe together to work on the common goal of making hydrogen-fuelled transport a reality in Europe.”

He added: “Hydrogen Mobility Europe will demonstrate the use of hydrogen in the hands of a wide range of vehicle drivers from across Europe all of whom value the long range, low carbon and low emission driving offered by the technology. Understanding these customers will allow the sector to plan for the accelerated deployment of this important technology.”

ITM Power

Clean fuel company ITM Power has meanwhile announced a 35 million Euros project for the H2ME 1, which will be funded by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) under Horizon 2020.

The project will allow H2ME to expand the hydrogen vehicles fleet, allowing it to identify gaps that may prevent full commercialisation.

ITM Power will receive €5.06 million from the project in order to deploy three new dual pressure hydrogen refuelling station assets that will expand the national refuelling network in the UK.

Dr Rachel Smith, executive director, ITM Power UK Hydrogen infrastructure provider and lead for the UK activities within the H2ME 2 project said: “We are very excited about the role the project will play in deploying hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, passenger and commercial fuel cell electric vehicles in the UK and demonstrating the system benefits generated by using electrolytic hydrogen solutions in UK grid operations.”