European OEM Places Order with Hexagon Purus for a High-pressure Hydrogen Refueling Station for Mobile Use
The world is seeing a surge in hydrogen projects, with over 1,000 announcements to date [1]. One of the key components in scaling hydrogen fuel cell vehicle deployment, particularly for heavy freight and commercial transportation, is the development of next-generation mobile hydrogen refueling stations.
Hexagon Purus, a world-leading manufacturer of zero-emission mobility and infrastructure solutions, has received an order from a large European Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the development and delivery of a next-generation mobile hydrogen refueling station for 700 bar commercial vehicles [2].
The mobile hydrogen refueling station, designed for rapid refueling and multi-shift utilization, is a crucial step towards achieving operational efficiency comparable to diesel [1]. The station, to be delivered by Hexagon Purus, boasts a robust design for high availability during operation, easy installation and relocation, and is designed for 700 bar commercial vehicles [2].
Market trends indicate growing investment in infrastructure that supports rapid refueling and multi-shift utilization, essential for hydrogen trucks to compete with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in terms of speed and payload [1]. Key players are deploying stations at strategic freight and transport hubs, leveraging partnerships to supply and dispense high-pressure 700 bar hydrogen fuel [1][2].
As the focus shifts towards green hydrogen, there is increasing attention on integrating green hydrogen production with refueling stations, aiming to reduce carbon intensity from initial RNG-offset grey hydrogen to electrolyzer-based green hydrogen by 2027 [1]. Expansion is targeting automotive and freight corridors in regions such as the U.S. Southeast, with a focus on shared-fuel programs to stabilize hydrogen pricing [1].
Future developments in the hydrogen refueling market include telemetry and health monitoring integration to optimize hydrogen fuel cell operations and station reliability [1]. Hydrogen hybrid microgrids at terminals are being developed to enable on-site hydrogen generation and energy resilience by 2029 [1]. Safety research is evolving, with recent studies indicating that hydrogen leaks in confined spaces may self-ignite more readily than previously thought, emphasizing the need for robust safety protocols in station design [3].
The order received by Hexagon Purus is for the development of the next generation mobile refueler and is valued at approximately EUR 3 million [2]. Green hydrogen is projected to supply up to 25% of the world's energy needs by 2050 [1]. Making green hydrogen available for use in the mobility sector is critical to reducing carbon emissions, particularly in "hard to abate" sectors [1].
This development marks a significant step forward in the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source for commercial vehicles. With over USD 320 billion in direct investments into hydrogen projects announced through 2030 [1], and more than 30 countries having released hydrogen roadmaps [1], the future of hydrogen in reducing global carbon emissions looks promising.
References:
[1] Hydrogen Council. (2021). Hydrogen Council Progress Report 2021. Retrieved from https://www.hydrogencouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Hydrogen-Council-Progress-Report-2021.pdf
[2] Hexagon Purus. (2023). Hexagon Purus receives order for next-generation mobile hydrogen refueler. Retrieved from https://www.hexagonpurus.com/news/hexagon-purus-receives-order-for-next-generation-mobile-hydrogen-refueler/
[3] NREL. (2022). Hydrogen Safety Research. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/safety.html
- The order received by Hexagon Purus for developing a next-generation mobile hydrogen refueling station underscores the finance sector's investment in hydrogen projects, a key element in the industry's transition to clean energy.
- With energy transition initiatives collecting momentum, the collaboration between Hexagon Purus and the European OEM on hydrogen projects exemplifies the industry's commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology.
- The growing number of hydrogen projects worldwide, including the partnership between Hexagon Purus and major market players, paves the way for the renewable energy sector to meet its goal of supplying up to 25% of the world's energy needs with green hydrogen by 2050.