Deployment of hydrogen refuelling stations is accelerating in China and South Korea but stalling in North America and in Europe, a trend that implies a growing regional divide on the potential of fuel-cell electric vehicles and hydrogen combustion engines.

The number of operational refuelling stations in North America fell by 40% in the last 12 months, with Europe down by 10%, according to joint analysis by lobby group the Hydrogen Council and management consultants McKinsey.

“Sales of hydrogen vehicles correlate geographically with the roll out of refuelling infrastructure” Hydrogen Council and McKinsey

“Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure deployment continues to accelerate in China and South Korea, but appears to be stagnating in Europe and North America,” they said in a joint report titled Hydrogen Insights 2024.

China has established an early lead on refuelling networks, with 390 stations in operation, followed by South Korea on 290 and Japan on 160. The total for Asia Pacific, including Australia, is 852.

South Korea and Japan plan to expand their networks to more than 600 stations each through 2030, which could double the number of stations in Asia, the report said.

By contrast, North America, which has the world’s largest pipeline of clean hydrogen production projects, has just 66 stations in operation, according to the report.

Europe has 248 operating stations, with Germany (90) and France (60) establishing a clear lead in the region. The third-largest network is in the UK, with 14 stations. The Netherlands has 11 stations in operation, according to the report.

The EU’s recently adopted Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation will require the deployment of a hydrogen refuelling station every 200km along the Trans-European Transport Network, corresponding to more than 400 stations through 2030.

Major caution

European oil majors appear cautious on hydrogen refuelling, though a deceleration of electric vehicle (EV) sales this year could influence their strategy.

Shell last year dropped plans to supply hydrogen to the light mobility market in a strategic shift that will see its hydrogen business prioritise heavy-duty mobility and industrial applications. In the light mobility sector, which includes passenger cars and vans, Shell said it would continue to invest in EV charging.

Shell’s strategy aligns with some other suppliers, including BP, which is investing heavily in EV charging for lighter vehicles but also sees a role for hydrogen in long-haul transport due to its longer driving range and faster refuelling time. However, other suppliers are pursuing the light mobility market. TotalEnergies has launched hydrogen refuelling facilities in the Netherlands aimed at passenger cars, light vans, buses and trucks.

On the road

Sales of hydrogen vehicles correlate geographically with the rollout of refuelling infrastructure. South Korea and Japan continue to lead in light hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, accounting for about 65% of that market. China leads in the global hydrogen truck and bus market, accounting for about 95% and 85% of those respective markets.

Heavy hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, especially trucks, are gaining momentum, the report said. This is reflected in the number of hydrogen-fuelled bus and truck models exceeding 130. As the hydrogen-fuelled vehicle park could potentially transition towards heavier vehicles, requiring higher refuelling station capacities, existing stations might require expansion and adaptation. Additional hydrogen refuelling infrastructure might be needed for off-road mobility such as rail and inland shipping, the report added.

---

Author: Stuart Penson