UK hydrogen technology firm ITM Power, who use wind energy to make hydrogen to fuel vehicles, have launched their first public access hydrogen refuelling station at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, just off the M1, Junction 33 near Sheffield South Yorkshire.
The project which was funded by InnovateUK, was supported by Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda who all have fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in various stages of development.
The new refuelling station is the first of its kind in the UK, consisting of a 225kW wind turbine coupled directly to an electrolyser, 220kg of hydrogen storage, a hydrogen dispensing unit and a 30kW fuel cell system capable of providing backup power generation for nearby buildings.
Jon Hunt, Manager, Toyota & Lexus Fleet Marketing, Toyota (GB) PLC said “Toyota are delighted to congratulate and join ITM Power at the opening of the new M1 refuelling station. A project that will support the October launch into the UK of our new Mirai, the world’s first dedicated mass produced hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle”
Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK CEO, commented, “It is very encouraging indeed that the UK’s hydrogen filling station infrastructure is developing. We welcome this ultra-green new site in the north of England, which will serve a very large area and is clearly one of the most advanced sites ever constructed. Hydrogen-powered cars are the future and Hyundai is a leader in the field. This new self-sufficient filling station is exactly what’s needed.”
Thomas Brachmann, Chief Project Engineer, Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH, on behalf of Honda Motor Europe said “Honda is pleased to support the opening of ITM Power’s new hydrogen refuelling station for public access on the M1. As a company Honda has been at the forefront of the introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles, and we are enthusiastic to see refuelling infrastructure being deployed that especially includes on-site production of hydrogen from renewable sources of energy”
Speaking at the opening, CEO of ITM Power, Dr Graham Cooley, said, “We are extremely pleased to be launching the first of the company’s hydrogen refuelling stations, at this very accessible location off the M1 in South Yorkshire, and to provide clean fuel for the fuel cell electric vehicles that are now available from the auto OEMs. Following the strategic forecourt siting agreement last week with Shell, this station will provide important reference for demystifying the ability to utilise renewable energy supply for its efficient conversion to clean fuel for clean transport emissions, that is enabled by ITM’s rapid response PEM electrolyser platform and the super impressive performance of fuel cell electric cars.”
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