Eleven new hydrogen refuelling stations opened throughout the world in 2013, bringing the total number of hydrogen refuelling stations in operation to 168 as of March 2014.

This is the result of the sixth annual assessment by H2stations.org, a website of Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST) and TÜV SÜD.

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The listing shows two new refuelling stations in North America, three in Asia, and six in Europe, two of which are in the German Federal State of Baden-Württemberg. Together with decommission of some old stations, this brings the number of hydrogen refuelling stations in Germany to 26. According to the information available to Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik, a total of 72 hydrogen refuelling stations are currently operated in Europe, 67 in North America, one in South America, and 46 in Asia. Numbers are slightly lower than last year since some older stations were dismantled, partly to be replaced by new and upgraded ones. In most global regions, hydrogen-fuelled vehicles are only used in field tests and trials. As a result, most refuelling stations are dedicated to such projects. Still, about 70 stations are in principle accessible to public refuelling, 14 of which are in Germany.

New countries with hydrogen infrastructure are Slovenia with the opening of its first hydrogen refuelling station and Costa Rica. In Costa Rica a hydrogen plant was commissioned last year and the installation of the refuelling station shall follow in 2015.

Many countries are planning to build new hydrogen refuelling stations. The website H2stations.org also lists planned hydrogen refuelling stations for which locations have already been determined. At present, these amount to 95 refuelling stations worldwide (26 in North America, two in South America, 23 in Asia, and 44 in Europe, twelve of which are in Germany). Especially Japan and California have moved forward in implementing their roadmaps with the announcement of 19 (Japan) respectively six (California) concrete locations.

The website H2stations.org (www.H2stations.org) uses interactive maps to list all hydrogen refuelling stations worldwide that are in operation or planning or that have been shut down. It also provides an overview of the history of hydrogen infrastructure by including information on projects already completed.

The database is updated on an ongoing basis, also adding new information on existing refuelling stations, and shows detailed information on the 516 refuelling stations currently included. “Even though we take great efforts to keep the data up-to-date we provide it free of charge for non-commercial use”, says LBST Managing Director Dr Uwe Albrecht. “We happily provide interested companies with further detailed information and targeted analyses plus a licence for professional use.”

Information and services for hydrogen and fuel cells

TÜV SÜD and LBST operate a joint hydrogen and fuel-cell portal www.netinform.de/H2 where they offer extensive information and services for professional users and interested members of the public. The portal comprises thewww.H2stations.org and www.H2mobility.org websites and offers an overview of all hydrogen vehicles going back as far as 1807, extensive specialist information, and a guide through standards and regulations.

Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST) is an international expert consultant for sustainable energy and mobility. With its expertise bridging technologies, markets, and policy the company supports international clients from industry, finance, politics, and non-governmental organisations in strategy, feasibility, and market assessments, international blue-chip companies trusting in its reliable judgement. The cutting edge competence of LBST is based on over three decades of continuous experience, and on its interdisciplinary team of leading experts.

Further information about Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik and TÜV SÜD can be found on the Internet at www.lbst.deorwww.tuv-sud.com/hydrogen respectively.