Introduction
H2 Mobility, a German company focused on building hydrogen refueling infrastructure, has partnered with chemical giant BASF. They have opened a new high-capacity hydrogen refueling station in Frankenthal, Germany. The station, located near BASF’s industrial site and major highways, marks a significant step forward. It contributes to the region’s transition to clean hydrogen mobility.
Station Capacity and Capabilities
The Frankenthal hydrogen refueling station boasts an impressive daily capacity of approximately 800kg. This makes it one of the largest in Germany. The station enables:
- Refueling of up to 30 hydrogen-powered trucks and buses at 350 bar pressure per day
- Refueling of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) at 700 bar pressure
- Operations to begin on Monday, October 7, 2024
Strategic Location and Expansion Plans
The Frankenthal station is situated adjacent to BASF’s industrial site. It is in close proximity to the Ludwigshafen Nord interchange and A6 motorway. This strategic position allows it to serve a wide range of hydrogen-powered vehicles. By 2026, H2 Mobility plans to build three more stations of similar size and capacity. These will be located in the Rhine-Neckar region. Furthermore, the company aims to double the capacity of the Frankenthal station by 2027. They also plan to add a second dispenser, allowing for simultaneous refueling of up to three vehicles.
Green Hydrogen Supply
The station will initially operate without green hydrogen. However, H2 Mobility has secured a deal with Lhyfe to supply the station with green hydrogen. This will be according to the renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) standard starting in 2025. The commitment to using green hydrogen aligns with the overall goal of promoting sustainable and climate-friendly mobility.
Partnerships and Investments
BASF has partially invested in the 350-bar module of the Frankenthal station. This demonstrates its commitment to expanding hydrogen infrastructure in the region. The collaboration between H2 Mobility and BASF highlights the importance of partnerships between industry leaders. These partnerships drive the adoption of clean energy solutions.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Frankenthal hydrogen refueling station was attended by high-ranking officials. They were from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and the city of Frankenthal. This underscores the growing importance of hydrogen mobility in Germany. As Martin Jüngel, Managing Director and CFO of H2 Mobility, stated, “The size of the station indicates the direction hydrogen mobility is heading. A single station serves different vehicle types, enabling us to sustainably shape the full spectrum of mobility. This includes commercial goods and passenger transport.”
With its large capacity, strategic location, and commitment to green hydrogen, the Frankenthal station is set to play a crucial role. It will facilitate the transition to climate-friendly hydrogen mobility for companies, public transport operators, and municipalities in the Rhine-Neckar region.
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