Ambitious binding targets for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure are central to climate action 

Over 100 companies and organisations representing the road transport sector and the entire hydrogen value chain join forces in an open letter to call on Member States and European policymakers against watering down the European Commission proposal on setting binding national targets for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

The signatories ask to set out an ambitious AFIR in the form of clear targets for hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) to ensure the hydrogen sector can play its part in climate action. Sufficient geographical coverage and capacity for all types of alternative fuels infrastructure is key for the transition towards cleaner European road transport.

An integrated and strategic rollout of both HRS and battery electric vehicles (BEV) charging infrastructures will be cheaper[1] than relying solely on one type of infrastructure or restricting specific technologies to specific road transport segments.[2] A multi-technology approach will grant a transition that is faster, more cost-efficient and serves all consumers and business models.

The hydrogen mobility industry strongly believes that Article 6 of AFIR should be strengthened along an ambitious but realistic timeline, as detailed in the letter.

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Hydrogen Europe CEO, commented: “The AFIR targets for hydrogen refuelling stations are the bare minimum for hydrogen road mobility to develop and in turn help decarbonise the sector, which is responsible for 20% of the EU GHG emissions. The industry stands ready to invest along with public authorities into the technology and the rollout of hydrogen infrastructure. However, adequate political commitments are instrumental in sending a strong signal for both automotive and hydrogen infrastructure companies. Reducing the mandatory minimum capacities of stations and shrinking the ambition will seriously harm the sector’s development.”

[1] International Energy Agency, Net-zero by 2050, and Hydrogen Council, Roadmap towards zero emissions: The complementary role of BEVs and FCEVs.

[2] Even if only 10% of EVs are powered with fuel cells, this would already be cost-effective due to the reduced need for grid upgrades i.e. for remote highway refuelling stations and public fast chargers in cities with high grid loads, see Hydrogen Council.