Roll-out of H₂ network starts

New UK hydrogen supplier plans to provide a refuelling station every 100 miles

- JULIAN RENDELL

The UK will have a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations operational at the end of this year, as plans by start-up Element 2 take effect.

The firm, based in Skip-ton, Yorkshire, will begin with the opening of five sites over the next few months, followed by 30 more locations “operational or under construction” by the end of the year.

“Then we should be able to say to fleet operators that we have a national network with about 100 miles between stops, which in a vehicle with a range of between 300 and 400 miles is not a problem logistically,” said Brendan Bilton, Element 2’s chief technology officer.

The initial thrust is to service the heavy truck and light commercials/pick-up industry, but private cars like the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo and new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will also be able to use the sites.

“The important detail is that our refuelling equipment is compatible with car fuel cells, so we will be ready when fuel-cell cars come to the market,” said Bilton.