US refiner Phillips 66 and Switzerland-based H2 Energy Europe have jointly committed to develop up to 250 retail hydrogen refuelling stations across Germany, Austria and Denmark by 2026.

The project will be developed via a 50/50 joint venture (JV) between subsidiaries of the two companies. H2 Energy is a JV between Singapore-based commodity trading firm Trafigura and H2 Energy Holding AG.

The project, which will require government support, will involve the development of a retail network, bringing together hydrogen supply, refuelling logistics and vehicle demand. The refuelling network will be supplied with green hydrogen “as available”, the companies say. 

“We believe that expanding access to hydrogen is critical to achieving a lower-carbon future,” says Brian Mandell, Phillips 66 executive vice-president, marketing and commercial. “We are excited to join forces with H2 Energy, which has demonstrated success in developing technology assets across the hydrogen value chain.”

250 – Target number of refuelling stations

Demand is expected in part to come through H2 Energy’s share of Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, a retail and distribution partner in Europe for Korean automotive manufacturer Hyundai’s commercially available heavy-duty fuel cell electric truck.

The network will comprise existing Jet retail fuel stations as well as new locations on major transport routes.

H2 Energy recently unveiled plans to build a 1GW electrolysis plant in Denmark capable of generating up to 90,000t/yr of green hydrogen.

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Author: Stuart Penson